Philippines Accuses China of Obstructing Resupply Mission — SkimNews
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- Philippine Coast Guard accused China of obstructing a Thursday resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, saying China Coast Guard and PLA Navy maneuvers "put Filipino personnel at risk" during what PCG called a "legitimate humanitarian and sustainment operation."
- Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson on South China Sea issues, confirmed there was no collision and no injuries but said China Coast Guard maneuvers "created a serious risk of collision."
- PCG said China's actions were inconsistent with international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing's sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
- Philippines called on China to stop interfering with its lawful resupply missions and said PCG would continue operations exercising Manila's sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
- In 2024, Manila and Beijing reached a provisional arrangement on Second Thomas Shoal resupply missions that the Philippine foreign ministry said had helped prevent confrontations between the two sides.
- In July, Manila accused China Coast Guard of firing water cannon at government vessels near Scarborough Shoal and striking a Philippine navy staff member with a wooden baton during a separate encounter near Second Thomas Shoal.
Why it matters: Thursday's incident directly tests the 2024 provisional resupply arrangement Manila and Beijing negotiated to prevent confrontations at Second Thomas Shoal. By citing the 2016 arbitral ruling, PCG is framing the dispute through international law rather than bilateral diplomacy — a harder legal position for Beijing to dismiss.
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