10-11-2023 (BEIJING) China’s coast guard issued a stern call to the Philippines on Friday, urging them to halt actions that infringe on China’s sovereignty. This appeal comes in response to the incursion of several Philippine resupply vessels into the waters near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
The Philippine National Security Council has announced its intention to release a statement regarding the resupply mission shortly.
China’s coast guard reported that two small Philippine transport ships, accompanied by three coast guard vessels, entered the waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal, a part of the Spratly Islands, without obtaining the Chinese government’s permission.
It is essential to note that the Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, China vehemently rejects this assertion, maintaining that it holds sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, known as the Nansha Islands in China, and the waters surrounding them.
Over the past few months, these two nations have experienced several confrontations in the region, with China openly condemning the Philippine resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal.
In a statement, the Chinese coast guard conveyed its actions: “The China coast guard has followed Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, taken control measures, and made temporary special arrangements for the Philippine side to transport food and other necessary daily necessities.”
The statement concluded with a resounding message: “We urge the Philippines to immediately cease its violations of China’s territorial sovereignty.”
