Metro Manila, Philippines – The government said Chinese vessels interfered with a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on September 24, hindering the delivery of essential supplies and rotation of personnel.
China disputed Manila’s account and accused the country of breaching unspecified commitments by proceeding with the mission despite warnings from Beijing.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said the China Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels interfered with the operation and put Filipino personnel at risk.
The Philippine Coast Guard said the mission was discontinued following China’s actions.
The China Coast Guard said it monitored and followed the resupply vessel and issued verbal warnings. Beijing also called the resupply mission a “provocative action” and accused Manila of violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
China did not specify which commitments the Philippines supposedly breached.
The latest encounter marks a break from the series of incident-free missions conducted under a provisional understanding reached by Manila and Beijing in July 2024.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said 15 resupply missions had been completed without incident since the understanding took effect.
Neither the Philippines nor China has confirmed whether the agreement has been terminated.
The DFA said Philippine security agencies would determine how the provisional understanding would be implemented following the latest encounter.
The two countries reached the arrangement after repeated confrontations near Ayungin,
The BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in 1999 and has since served as a military outpost.
