Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 22) — The Chinese government has again moved to block Philippine vessels’ attempt to conduct another resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, according to a former US senior defense official.
Raymond Powell, project lead at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said Tuesday that the country’s new resupply mission was “underway,” more than two weeks after China’s coast guard used water cannons on Philippine vessels on the way to Ayungin Shoal.He said in a social media post that the Philippine Coast Guard has deployed its BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan as escorts.However, China also deployed four militia ships from Mischief Reef “to take up blockade positions at Ayungin.Powell added that all of China’s 11 AIS-visible Qiong Sansha Yu militia ships were likewise deployed from Mischief Reef starting Monday afternoon.
“Besides the 4 blocking #Philippines access to Ayungin Shoal… 7 more deployed NE of Mischief Reef,” he said.
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1/🇵🇭#Philippines' promised follow-up resupply mission to Ayungin (2nd Thomas) Shoal now underway. @coastguardph escorts BRP Cabra & BRP Sindangan now inbound from Sabina Shoal.
🇨🇳#China deployed 4 militia ships from Mischief Reef to take up blockade positions at Ayungin. [🧵1/x] pic.twitter.com/6PUJnEV7sJ— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) August 21, 2023
