Chinese Warships Block Philippine Resupply Run to BRP Sierra Madre

Late on September 24, eight Chinese naval vessels blocked a Philippine Navy resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, Manila's grounded warship at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Three People's Liberation Army Navy warships and five China Coast Guard vessels intercepted the convoy roughly 60 nautical miles from the shoal. A PLAN warship issued radio warnings and threatened "compulsory measures." A coast guard vessel made a close approach to the Philippine resupply ship M/V Lapu-Lapu, coming within 1,000 yards and creating a collision risk. The Philippine convoy included the BRP Malabrigo and three other Navy and Coast Guard vessels.

The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea said Chinese ships "put Filipino personnel at risk and obstructed a legitimate humanitarian and sustainment operation." The mission was halted at 11:08 p.m. to protect the crew. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said China's warships and coast guard vessels were "ganging up on an unarmed resupply boat at night." No injuries or collisions were reported.

The Philippines asserts Second Thomas Shoal falls within its exclusive economic zone. It cites a 2024 arrangement with Beijing that permits resupply missions without Chinese approval, which Beijing disputes.

The intercept came six days after a Chinese coast guard ship, CCG-21585, rammed the Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat at Sabina Shoal, an incident that drew condemnation from the United States, Canada and the European Union.