SECOND THOMAS SHOAL –
A
Philippine government ship has slipped past a Chinese coast guard
blockade and brought food and fresh troops to a marooned navy ship used
as a base by Filipino troops to bolster the country's territorial claims
in the disputed South China Sea
The incident
Saturday was witnessed by journalists who were invited by the
Philippines military to accompany the resupply mission.
Around
one hour away from Second Thomas Shoal, a Chinese coast guard ship
twice crossed the bow of the smaller Philippine vessel in an attempt to
stop it from proceeding. It radioed the Filipinos, telling them to stop
entering Chinese territory.
But the Filipino captain maneuvered to shallow waters where the Chinese ship couldn't sail to reach the marooned vessel.
Early this month, Chinese vessels blocked a resupply mission.
