South China Sea: China blocks Philippine resupply mission

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated following two separate maritime incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels.

On September 24, Chinese naval and coast guard vessels reportedly blocked a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine vessel M/V Lapu-Lapu, accompanied by support ships, was allegedly surrounded by three Chinese warships and five coast guard vessels. Fearing for the safety of personnel and vessels, the Philippine military canceled the mission to deliver supplies to the troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. The United States expressed concern over these “dangerous blocking actions” that threaten freedom of navigation.

In a separate incident, the Philippine Coast Guard reported driving away a Chinese vessel and 24 small boats near Kota Island (South Kalayaan Islands) on September 28. Philippine officials stated the vessels were engaged in suspected illegal fishing and appeared to be attempting to surround the island.

In response to these developments, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Philippines for releasing new maritime maps that include features such as Pag-asa Island and Lawak Island, labeling the maps “illegal and invalid” and asserting China’s “undisputed sovereignty” over the Nansha Islands.