Philippines, U.S. Condemn China's Dangerous Tactics At Second Thomas Shoal

Late September 2026, Chinese navy warships and coast-guard vessels blocked a Philippine resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), forcing Manila to abort for safety. The Philippine Coast Guard said the operation was intercepted about 60 nautical miles from the shoal, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, with cutters shadowing the Philippine patrol vessels and three PLAN warships, including two catamaran missile boats, obstructing the “humanitarian and sustainment” task. Manila suspended the mission after a PLAN radio warning it would take “compulsory measures.” The U.S. condemned the actions as escalatory and inconsistent with UNCLOS and a 2016 tribunal ruling, reaffirming its backing for the treaty ally.