16-10-2023 (MANILA) The Philippine military has raised concerns over China’s “unsafe actions” in the South China Sea following an incident where a Chinese navy ship attempted to obstruct a Philippine navy vessel during a resupply mission near Thitu island. The Chinese navy ship came as close as 350 yards to the Philippine vessel, posing risks of collision and endangering the lives of maritime personnel from both sides, according to the armed forces chief Romeo Brawner.
This incident is part of a series of attempts by China to monitor and block Philippine resupply missions in the South China Sea, particularly in Manila-occupied features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China asserts sovereignty over a large portion of the South China Sea, a critical trade route where over $3 trillion of trade passes annually.
Relations between the Philippines and China have strained since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos pursued closer ties with the United States, including granting increased access to US military bases in the country.
