In a recent incident, the Philippines has been accused by the Global Times of engaging in “illegal transport and repair” operations on the BRP Sierra Madre, a second world warship grounded on a reef. The footage shows the Philippine military transferring supplies while being surrounded by Chinese coastguard ships. China insists that the Philippines had promised not to send construction materials to repair the grounded ship under President Duterte’s administration.
Despite this, the Philippines has taken a tougher stance in the South China Sea dispute, increasing supply missions to the Sierra Madre and even allocating funds for a permanent structure. The escalating tensions have led to confrontations and China accusing the Philippines of cutting fishing nets in disputed territories.
The two countries have been locked in a territorial dispute, with recent incidents heightening tensions in the region. The outcome of this ongoing conflict remains uncertain as both sides continue to assert their claims in the South China Sea.