The Philippine military accused Chinese boats of illegally seizing food and medicine airdropped to a Filipino outpost at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on May 19.
This incident involved two Chinese rigid-hulled inflatable boats coming within 10 meters of the Sierra Madre vessel, confiscating and subsequently dumping the supplies.
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner condemned the act as illegal and unprovoked, highlighting that such actions violate international norms.
China dismissed the accusations, asserting that the Sierra Madre was illegally grounded and accusing the Philippines of escalating tensions.
The incident underscores ongoing confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the contested waters, despite an international ruling invalidating China’s expansive claims.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 5, 2024
