Philippine vessels blocked by group of Chinese ships

Two boats from the Philippines went past a barrier made by the Chinese coast guard in the South China Sea on Wednesday. This has happened before and it is happening near a place that is argued over. Some people are worried that this could lead to a bigger problem and the United States might get involved.

Two boats from the Philippine coast guard were protected by larger ships, but it is not known if the Chinese coast guard prevented the ships from getting closer to the Second Thomas Shoal. Filipino marines have been guarding a warship called the BRP Sierra Madre that is stuck on the shoal for many years.

China says that it owns the shoal and has put its coast guard ships and militia vessels around it to stop the Philippines from bringing in building materials. China is worried that the materials could be used to make the Sierra Madre stronger and make it a permanent part of the country’s territory.

“Although many Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships tried to stop and disturb the routine mission to rotate and resupply, two Philippine boats successfully provided necessary supplies to the Filipino forces at the shoal,” stated a Philippine government body responsible for the disputed waters on Wednesday evening.

“The Philippines is regularly resupplying and maintaining BRP Sierra Madre as part of their operations. This is in accordance with both domestic and international laws and is done to ensure the safety and well-being of our stationed personnel,” explained the inter-agency body.

It did not give more information about what the Chinese coast guard did. In the past, they have been criticized for their actions which are risky and almost caused accidents. and did not follow the rules for keeping people safe on the water.

According to the Chinese coast guard, the Philippine boats entered the waters without permission from China. They strongly disagree with the Philippines bringing building materials to the military boat that is stuck. The Chinese coast guard warned the Philippine boats and watched them closely.

The big fight that happened on Wednesday is the most recent problem in the ongoing arguments over who owns what in the South China Sea. This area is where lots of ships go for trading, so it’s very important. The fights between China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei are considered a potential problem in Asia. They have also become an important issue in the rivalry between the United States and China in the area.

In the beginning of August, a ship from the Chinese coast guard sprayed water at one of two boats from the Philippines to stop it from getting closer to the Second Thomas Shoal. The bold action, which was recorded on video, made President Ferdinand Marcos Jr very angry. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila called in the Chinese ambassador to complain strongly.

Washington responded by emphasizing that it is committed to protecting the Philippines, its long-standing ally in Asia, in case of any armed attacks against Filipino troops, aircraft, or ships, even in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the United States was “threatening China” by suggesting that the U. S-Philippines defense treaty could be used. Beijing has given many warnings to the United States. Do not interfere in disagreements about land.

In August, the Philippines sent two boats to deliver supplies to their forces at the Second Thomas shoal. Even though the Chinese coast guard tried to stop them, the boats were able to get through. Two ships from the Philippine coast guard were trying to protect the supply boats, but they were stopped and prevented by Chinese coast guard ships from getting closer to the shoal. government-backed organization called the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws. These laws are designed to make sure that businesses are truthful and fair when selling products or services to consumers. The FTC investigates and sues companies that engage in deceptive practices or unfair competition. They also provide resources and information to help consumers make informed decisions and protect themselves from scams. The navy used planes to watch and help the Philippine ships during the standoff, which lasted for over three hours.

The Defense Secretary of the Philippines, Gilberto Teodoro, is worried about China’s risky actions at sea. He mentioned that the government is prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise, such as a potential accident between Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed waters.

Teodoro said, “We always consider the concern. ” when a reporter asked on Tuesday night. “We have different plans based on what happens. ”

The coast guard of the Philippines asked some journalists, including two from The Associated Press, to come on board their ships in August. They were there to make sure that the supply boats were safe. This was part of a new plan to show the public how China is behaving more aggressively in the South China Sea.

An arbitration decision made in 2016 that was established in accordance with the United Nations’ 1982 agreement. The Convention on the Law of the Sea said that Beijing cannot claim the entire South China Sea based on historical reasons. China said no to joining the arbitration that the Philippines asked for, and they didn’t accept the decision that was made. They believe it was fake, and they are still going against it.