Philippines accuses China of obstructing resupply mission in South China Sea

A China Coast Guard ship on the horizon through a telescopic view in Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea, February 21, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS

MANILA, Sept 25 (Reuters) – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused China on Friday of obstructing a resupply mission for ​troops on board a grounded World War ‌Two-era warship in the South China Sea, saying the action “put Filipino personnel at risk.”

• The PCG said the China ​Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army ​Navy on Thursday “obstructed a legitimate humanitarian and ⁠sustainment operation” to Second Thomas Shoal.
• It said China’s ​actions were inconsistent with international law and a ​2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
• The Philippines called on China to stop ​interfering with its lawful resupply missions.
• The PCG said ​it would continue its lawful operations in the South China ‌Sea ⁠and exercise Manila’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waterway.
• The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
• In 2024, ​Manila and ​Beijing reached ⁠a provisional arrangement on resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippine foreign ​ministry has said helped prevent confrontations ​between ⁠the two sides.
• In July, Manila accused the China Coast Guard of firing water cannon at government vessels near Scarborough ⁠Shoal ​and striking a Philippine navy ​staff with a wooden baton during a separate encounter near Second ​Thomas Shoal.

Reporting by Nestor Corrales; Editing by David Stanway