Tag Archives: BRP Sierra Madre

Philippine Navy Brings Supplies to Troops in Second Thomas Shoal One Week After China Coast Guard Attack

Philippine Navy Brings Supplies to Troops in Second Thomas Shoal One Week After China Coast Guard Attack

By:

The two boats (encircled) bringing supplies to Philippine troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre. Photo provided by Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine military undertook a resupply mission for its troops in the Second Thomas Shoal in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) on Tuesday, exactly one week after the mission was aborted after two Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons to attack the two civilian boats bringing supplies to the soldiers. Read More →

Opinion: U.N. Ruling is Turning Point for Overlapping South China Sea Claims

Opinion: U.N. Ruling is Turning Point for Overlapping South China Sea Claims

By:
A map of China's shifting definition of the so-called Nine-Dash Line. US State Dept. Image

A map of China’s shifting definition of the so-called Nine-Dash Line. US State Dept. Image

The United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration handed out a decision on Thursday that the Republic of the Philippines’ case against the People’s Republic of China regarding Law of the Seas violations can be heard. This long-awaited decision marks a turning point in the complex landscape of international legality as more maritime nations seek to establish boundaries on their oceanic and littoral territories. Read More →

Analysis: Growing The Philippines South China Sea Outpost

Analysis: Growing The Philippines South China Sea Outpost

By:
An undated photo of BRP Sierra Madre, grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratley Islands

An undated photo of BRP Sierra Madre, grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratley Islands

The Philippines government has begun efforts to reinforce the tiny outpost of BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated World War II-era landing ship deliberately beached on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999. Due in no small part to extensive media coverage, the vessel is a well-known symbol of the ongoing territorial dispute over the mineral- and resource-rich Spratleys Island group. Read More →