China Coast Guard Monitors Philippine Resupply to Vessel at Second Thomas Shoal

China’s coast guard said it monitored the Philippines delivering supplies on Wednesday to a vessel stationed on Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The mission came roughly a month after Manila accused Beijing of obstructing an earlier resupply run. The Chinese side described the Philippine ship receiving the delivery as illegally grounded at the shoal, which Beijing claims as its own territory. The Philippine military and coast guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Recent Clashes Between Beijing and Manila

On September 25, the Philippine Coast Guard accused China of blocking a resupply mission to the same shoal. China countered that Manila had ignored its warnings, which led to on-site monitoring and verbal warnings. Earlier in September, a Chinese coast guard vessel rammed a Philippine boat on a refuelling mission near another shoal, according to Manila, while China blamed the Philippines for the collision.

Diplomatic Tension Over Envoy’s Remarks

On Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry summoned China’s ambassador to voice serious concern and strong objection over remarks it said carried a threat of force. The Chinese diplomat rejected that reading and said his comments were not a threat.

Overlapping Claims in the South China Sea

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, and its position overlaps with claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. These competing claims have repeatedly fueled disputes and confrontations between Beijing and Manila.