Philippines Accuses China of Obstructing Resupply Mission

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused China on Friday of obstructing a resupply mission for troops on board a grounded World War Two-era warship in the South China Sea, saying the action “put Filipino personnel at risk.” This incident highlights the ongoing tensions over China's maritime assertiveness and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The grounded warship is stationed at Ayungin Shoal (internationally known as Second Thomas Shoal), which is under Philippine control and serves as a strategic outpost for the Filipino military. The China Coast Guard has intensified its efforts to block Philippine vessels from accessing these waters, making resupply missions consistently challenging. The obstruction not only hinders the resupply mission but also poses a significant issue for the safety of Filipino personnel and the maintenance of effective control. While the Philippine government asserts its rights based on international law, it is exploring concrete countermeasures while expressing diplomatic concerns over China's provocative actions. The risk of accidental clashes in the region is also a concern, and the actions of involved countries are being closely watched. —Reporting by Nestor Corrales; Editing by David Stanway