China Obstructs Philippine Resupply Mission at Second Thomas Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard accused China of obstructing a humanitarian and sustainment resupply mission to troops stationed on a grounded World War II-era warship at Second Thomas Shoal on Thursday. The agency reported that the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy performed dangerous maneuvers that created a serious risk of collision and endangered Filipino personnel.

While no injuries or collisions occurred, Manila asserted that these actions violate international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing's claims in the South China Sea. The Philippine government demanded that China cease interfering with its lawful resupply missions and affirmed its intent to continue exercising sovereign rights in the waterway.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.