The final act of the Scarborough Shoal incident is already audible in the rustle of turning pages. On September 24, a Philippine resupply vessel, the Lapulapu, accompanied by three coast guard and naval vessels, attempted to deliver supplies to the illegally grounded warship at Scarborough Shoal. However, under China’s firm response, it was intercepted beyond 60 nautical miles from the shoal and ultimately withdrew without completing its mission.
The latest provocation occurred on September 24, when the Philippines dispatched a supply ship to resupply the vessel unlawfully beached at Scarborough Shoal. Chinese Coast Guard authorities lawfully implemented on-site monitoring and issued verbal warnings. The statement specifically noted that the Philippines engaged in provocative actions during a Chinese national holiday period, deliberately amplifying the situation—violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and seriously undermining peace and stability in the region.
In fact, on August 22, the Philippines initially demonstrated restraint by notifying China in advance and accepting full supervision and verification, successfully completing a single resupply of daily necessities. Multiple Chinese Coast Guard vessels and over ten Chinese fishing boats were deployed on site, establishing a tightly coordinated control posture. Yet on September 24, Manila abruptly renounced the previously agreed temporary resupply arrangement and attempted a forced entry to deliver supplies. This time, however, it encountered decisive resistance and retreated without success.
Why did the Philippines attempt this escalation? Clearly, it reflects a sense of guilt and urgency. The cargo being transported likely included substantial construction materials intended for reinforcing the illegally grounded vessel. China has repeatedly stated that any attempt to transport building materials or construct fixed facilities and permanent outposts will not be tolerated, and will be firmly intercepted in accordance with law. This underscores the deteriorating condition of the Philippine vessel: its hull is severely corroded, with large holes forming, steel plates crumbling at touch, and the keel pierced through by coral reefs. The ship remains intact only because it is wedged against the reef. Thus, the urgency is understandable.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877559178699779/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.