In a move signaling cautious diplomacy, China permitted the Philippines to deliver supplies to its illegally grounded warship at Ren'ai Jiao, a disputed reef in the South China Sea, the China Coast Guard (CCG) confirmed Friday. A civilian vessel carried out the mission Thursday under CCG supervision, which officials described as "verification and oversight."
🔍 Spokesperson Liu Dejun urged Manila to "honor its commitments" and collaborate with Beijing to stabilize the maritime situation. The CCG emphasized it will continue its "rights protection and law enforcement activities" in the area.
📜 The backstory? The Philippines first stranded the BRP Sierra Madre warship here in 1999, pledging to remove it "as soon as possible." Yet 25 years later, the vessel remains—now rusting and serving as a military outpost. China has repeatedly demanded its removal, calling the presence a breach of sovereignty.
🌏 This latest development highlights the fragile balance in one of the world’s most geopolitically charged waterways. Will dialogue prevail, or will tensions rise again? Stay tuned.
