China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters (VIDEO) — RT World News
Manila and Beijing exchanged accusations over a maritime accident near the Spratly Islands
Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to obstruct the Philippine military's attempt to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy deliberately grounded a tank landing ship more than two decades ago.
The accident occurred near Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands archipelago, which is claimed by several countries, including China and the Philippines. In 1999, Manila moved to bolster its bid by permanently placing the BRP Sierra Madre – a military ship originally built for the US Navy during World War II – on the site and turning it into a naval base.
After being confronted by Chinese forces, the Philippine supply ship Onaiza May 4 'Severe and continuing damage' The army said. She published aerial footage of the confrontation, describing it as… “attacks” By China. A Philippine Coast Guard ship later reached the boat “to provide assistance” The statement said.
watched At 08:38 a.m., the Philippine supply ship Unayzah was hit on 4 May by direct water cannoning by two CCG vessels near the Ayungin Shoal. Supply boat UM4 was severely damaged at approximately 08:52 due to continued blasting of water cannons from the CCG ships. pic.twitter.com/r540s80Qd2
– Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) March 23, 2024
Beijing described the measure as a legal interception of foreign ships violating Chinese waters. It was a clash “A complete provocation by the Philippines” Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qia made the statement on Sunday, claiming that Manila was acting “in bad faith”. He warned against that “China will continue to take resolute measures.” In case more “Provocations”.
Last October, the Philippines began renovating BRP Sierra Madre, to improve the living conditions of military personnel stationed at the site. The military command said the men needed decent sleeping and dining conditions and access to the Internet.
The construction materials were delivered by sea, drawing a rebuke from Beijing, which said the supply was carried out without its permission – while Manila said no such permission was required.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea also involve overlapping claims by Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as the autonomous Chinese island of Taiwan. The region enjoys intense trade activity, on which the foreign trade of South Asian countries depends greatly.
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