Tensions in the South China Sea rose again this week. Chinese warships and coast guard cutters blocked a Philippine mission trying to deliver food and supplies to a remote outpost at Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippines says Chinese ships acted dangerously to stop their boats. They called the move an obstruction. The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) stated that these actions will not stop them from sending supplies to their soldiers stationed there.

This area is a major point of conflict. The Philippines uses a grounded ship as a base to claim their territory. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, which often puts them in direct conflict with their neighbors.

The United States has stepped in to support the Philippines. The U.S. government condemned China’s actions, calling them dangerous and unnecessary.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines criticized the United States. They told the U.S. to stay out of the dispute, arguing that America is only making the situation worse by getting involved.

Despite the pushback from China, the Philippine military insists they will keep trying to reach their outpost. They say they have a right to supply their people, and they will not be pushed away.

Source: USNI News