![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/china-philippines-boats-4997404.jpg?r=1696586260564\")
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The Philippines regularly resupplies its outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, asserting its economic rights in the area, which is abundant in both fish and mineral resources.<\/p>\n
The atoll, located in the Spratly Islands, is at the centre of territorial claims, with China asserting its control over nearly the entire South China Sea, a claim contested by neighbouring countries, including the Philippines.<\/p>\n
The incident occurred on the second day of a three-day mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, amid rough seas due to an oncoming typhoon and the seasonal monsoon. At dawn, the Filipino convoy was met by the Chinese Coast Guard, accompanied by two blue militia vessels bearing Chinese markings.<\/p>\n
The standoff intensified when the Chinese ships issued radio warnings, demanding that the Filipinos leave the area. Refusing to back down, the Philippine ships found themselves encircled by the Chinese vessels, preventing their progress. The smaller Filipino commercial ships managed to navigate through the blockade due to their size, a tactic that had been successful in recent encounters.<\/p>\n
However, the larger Philippine Coast Guard ships were unable to bypass the Chinese blockade, coming within a few metres of the imposing vessels.<\/p>\n
Crews from both sides took photographs of each other, capturing the tense moment. Additionally, a Philippine military plane was observed flying overhead.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n As night fell, the Philippine ships decided to turn back after confirming the safe delivery of supplies on the commercial ships.<\/p>\n They retreated from the area, ensuring their crew’s safety amid the escalating standoff. All four vessels successfully returned to port, located several hours’ drive north of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Thursday.<\/p>\n China has been previously accused of employing aggressive tactics, including firing water cannons and shining lasers on Philippine ships, to assert dominance in the disputed region. Furthermore, Beijing has been alleged to have deployed militia ships to enhance its coast guard patrols in the contested sea.<\/p>\n This latest incident adds to the growing tensions between China and the Philippines, a nation that has recently strengthened its military ties with the United States, Beijing’s primary competitor for influence in the region.<\/p>\n The Chinese coast guard condemned the Filipino resupply mission, claiming that the Philippines entered what it refers to as the Nansha Islands without permission, whereas the Philippines identifies it as Ayungin Shoal, named after a local delicacy, the small Ayungin fish.<\/p>\n
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