China’s coast guard says Philippine vessel took supplies to Second Thomas Shoal

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s coast guard said on Friday the Philippines sent a civilian ship to ferry daily necessities to a warship at the Second Thomas Shoal that Beijing says was illegally “beached” in the disputed waterway of the South China Sea.

State media quoted the coast guard as saying Thursday’s trip was in line with a temporary deal between the two countries, a reference to a provisional agreement struck in July after both had repeated altercations near the shoal.

However, the Philippines said the deal, reached after several run-ins at the shoal over the past few months, could be subject to review, following another recent flare-up elsewhere over the South China Sea.

In Manila, the Philippine armed forces (AFP) said the resupply mission to the naval ship Sierra Madre had been supported by the country’s coast guard.

Essential supplies and provisions were delivered, easing the way for troop rotation, it added in a statement, vowing to persevere with its mandates in the West Philippine Sea, providing full support and care for troops stationed there.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite overlapping maritime claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, angering its neighbours.