Members of a resupply mission approach the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, one of the nine outposts guarding the West Philippine Sea. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — China on Thursday aired its frustration and disapproval anew over the Philippines’ resupply mission to the soldiers stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the contested West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, Chinese Coast Guard Spokesperson Gan Yu stated that two supply ships and two coast guard vessels from the Philippines “intruded” into the adjacent waters of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which it called Ren’ai Reef.
Gan was referring to supply ships Unaizah May 1 and 2’s Wednesday resupply mission to the grounded Philippine vessel.
The supply ships were escorted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan.
The mission was successful despite China’s interference, the PCG said.
“The Chinese Coast Guard strictly warned the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, tracked and monitored the vessels all the way, and effectively regulated them,” said Gan on Wednesday.
“China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including the Ren’ai Reef, and its adjacent waters, and firmly opposes the illegal delivery of construction materials by the Philippines to the illegally
grounded warship,” Gan added.
According to Gan, the Chinese Coast Guard will “continue to carry out law enforcement activities” in the seas under China’s jurisdiction.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines.
It ruled that the country has the exclusive sovereign rights to the West Philippine Sea.
INQUIRER.net has sought the Department of Foreign Affairs’ comment on the Chinese Coast Guard’s recent claims, but it has yet to respond as of posting time.