China 'Permits' Philippines Ship to Supply Anchored Vessel Near South China Sea Island

The Philippines sent a civilian ship to deliver supplies to a grounded warship ‘BRP Sierra Madre’ at Ren'ai Jiao on Tuesday, with “permission” from China, according to the China Coast Guard (CCG).

CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said on Wednesday that Chinese authorities monitored and verified the resupply operation. He added that the CCG will continue enforcing its maritime rights in the Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao and surrounding waters.

The resupply mission unfolded amid growing friction between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea.

Philippine officials recently accused the Chinese government-owned broadcaster, China Global Television Network (CGTN), of spreading propaganda. CGTN claimed that a Philippine vessel was intentionally polluting the waters around the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

CGTN released footage showing smoke rising from the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship intentionally grounded by the Philippines in 1999 to assert territorial claims. An exclusive video from Global Times shows extensive burn marks, charred debris, and leaking oil on a Philippine military vessel. The Philippine Navy claims the smoke seen earlier was from a "fire drill," but experts suggest the burn patterns and use of hydrocarbons indicate otherwise. Analysts argue the vessel's waste-burning pollutes the South China Sea, violates international law, and poses risks to marine life and human health. A 2024 Chinese government report found the vessel caused coral reef damage, pollution from heavy metals and oils, and other environmental harm.

Philippine Navy officials rejected the accusations, calling them part of a "misleading messaging" campaign.

Meanwhile, tensions extended to the Philippine province of Palawan, where Chinese social media users claimed the island was historically part of China. Philippines’ National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano dismissed these claims as "baseless and revisionist," emphasizing that Palawan remains part of the Philippines.

The incident follows a series of confrontations between the two nations, including recent aerial encounters. In February, the Philippines accused a Chinese helicopter of flying dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

Maritime confrontations, arrests, and reports of Chinese harassment continue. Philippine ships have also faced water cannon attacks and other harassment in recent months.