Tag Archives: BRP Sierra Madre

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

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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

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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 →