China has permitted the Philippines to resupply its grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the China Coast Guard announced on Wednesday. The delivery of necessities to the BRP Sierra Madre, which has been stationed on the reef since 1999, was carried out with official approval and under Chinese supervision, according to coast guard spokesman Jiang Lue.
The Second Thomas Shoal—referred to as Renai Jiao by China and Ayungin Shoal by the Philippines—is a longstanding point of contention in the South China Sea. The Philippines maintains a small military presence aboard the aging BRP Sierra Madre, a rusted World War II-era vessel intentionally grounded to assert Manila’s sovereignty claim. China, however, frequently attempts to block Philippine resupply missions to the outpost, asserting its own territorial rights.
This recent resupply operation occurred amid rising diplomatic tensions following remarks by China’s ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan. At a forum last week, Jing stated that China “could easily win” a conflict with the Philippines but emphasized a preference for peace. The comment was interpreted by Philippine officials as a veiled threat. Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro summoned the ambassador on Monday to register “serious concern and strong objections” over what Manila described as “provocative and unacceptable” language. Jing subsequently denied any threatening intent, asserting his comments promoted peace between the two countries.
The broader dispute between China and the Philippines over several South China Sea reefs has intensified in recent months, including multiple confrontations and close encounters. These include the use of water cannon by Chinese coastguard vessels in July, an interception between a Chinese fighter jet and a Philippine aircraft in October near Scarborough Shoal, and a collision in September between coastguard ships near Sabina Shoal. Incidents have also repeatedly occurred around Second Thomas Shoal, the latest flashpoint.
One of the more severe incidents took place on July 20, when Chinese coastguard personnel reportedly struck a Philippine sailor with a wooden baton during a clash near Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing accused Philippine personnel of aggressive actions against Chinese officers. In late September, during another resupply mission, the Chinese coastguard said it monitored and warned Philippine vessels, while Manila accused Beijing of obstruction and hazardous maneuvers.
Tensions further escalated earlier this month when the Philippines accused the Chinese coastguard of trailing and using water cannons against Philippine vessels during a medical evacuation of a sick crew member from the BRP Sierra Madre. The delay reportedly lasted nearly 10 hours. China countered that it had promptly allowed the medical evacuation on humanitarian grounds, facilitating transfer by small boat and providing necessary assistance, all while following Chinese laws and procedures.
Despite ongoing disputes, China’s recent authorization for the resupply represents a rare moment of cooperation amid heightened friction over sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.