China Demands Philippines Remove Grounded Warship from Disputed Shoal

China Demands Philippines to Remove Grounded Warship from Disputed Shoal

BEIJING/MANILA – China has once again requested the Philippines to tow away a grounded warship from a disputed shoal, after Manila rejected Beijing’s earlier demand. Tensions between the two countries have escalated over the South China Sea, with the Philippines aligning itself with the United States in its maritime disputes with China.

The Second Thomas Shoal, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, is currently home to a small number of troops stationed on the former warship Sierra Madre. The vessel was deliberately grounded by Manila in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claims.

Manila has accused the Chinese coast guard of blocking resupply missions to its troops on the shoal, including an incident on August 5 when a Philippine vessel was sprayed with a water cannon. China argues that the Philippines’ occupation of the shoal is illegal.

Security experts believe that China’s actions indicate its desire to take control of the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Renai Reef in China and Ayungin in Manila. Rommel Ong, a maritime security expert and retired vice commander of the Philippine Navy, emphasized the need for the Philippines to regain control of the shoal to protect its resupply missions.

This is not the first time the Chinese coast guard has directed a water cannon at a Philippine boat, as a similar incident occurred in November 2021. While no one was injured in the recent incident, Philippine officials reported that one of their boats did not complete its resupply mission.

China claims sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Experts believe that China would hesitate to use force to occupy the shoal due to the potential activation of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty and the possibility of other Southeast Asian countries seeking assistance from external powers.

Japan and France have expressed concern over China’s recent actions and reiterated their support for the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive South China Sea claims. The Philippine foreign ministry reported difficulties in reaching its Chinese counterpart during the water cannon incident.

Both countries are urged to avoid escalating the situation and endangering lives.

What is the significance of the grounded warship Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal?

China Urges Philippines to Remove Grounded Warship from Disputed Shoal

BEIJING/MANILA – The Philippines has once again been called upon by China to tow away a grounded warship from a disputed shoal, following Manila’s rejection of Beijing’s previous demand. Tensions between the two countries have escalated over the South China Sea, with the Philippines aligning itself with the United States in its maritime disputes against China.

The shoal in question, known as Second Thomas Shoal or Renai Reef, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and is currently occupied by a small number of troops stationed on the grounded warship Sierra Madre. The deliberate grounding of the vessel by Manila in 1999 was seen as a means to strengthen its sovereignty claims.

The Philippine government has accused the Chinese coast guard of obstructing resupply missions to its troops on the shoal. An incident on August 5 involved a Philippine vessel being sprayed with a water cannon. China argues that the Philippines’ occupation of the shoal is illegal.

Security experts believe that China’s actions indicate its desire to gain control over Second Thomas Shoal. Retired vice commander of the Philippine Navy, Rommel Ong, stressed the importance of the Philippines regaining control to ensure the safety of resupply missions.

This recent water cannon incident is not the first time the Chinese coast guard has targeted a Philippine boat. A similar incident occurred in November 2021. While no injuries were reported this time, Philippine officials revealed that one of their boats was unable to complete its resupply mission.

China asserts sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Experts believe that China would exercise caution in using force to occupy the shoal due to potential repercussions, such as activating the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty and prompting other Southeast Asian countries to seek external assistance.

Concerns have been expressed by Japan and France over China’s recent actions, and both countries have reiterated their support for the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive South China Sea claims. Philippine officials have reported difficulties in reaching their Chinese counterparts during the water cannon incident.

Both China and the Philippines are urged to avoid escalating the situation and putting lives at risk.