Philippine media: The Philippines may be supplying the Scarborough Shoal, with 24 Chinese vessels on high alert
According to multiple Philippine media reports, on September 5 local time, the Philippine military apparently initiated a supply mission to the Scarborough Shoal, with at least two Philippine coast guard ships having arrived near the area of the Scarborough Shoal. Although Philippine Navy spokesperson Trinidad did not confirm whether a supply mission was being carried out, he stated that at least 24 Chinese vessels were already on high alert near the Scarborough Shoal, including four Chinese coast guard ships and 20 "maritime militia" boats.
From the real-time AIS signals of the vessels, it seems that Chinese and Philippine vessels are facing off near the Scarborough Shoal - the Chinese Coast Guard ship 5304 is closely monitoring the Philippine vessel, while the Chinese Coast Guard ship 4302 is patrolling back and forth. The Philippine vessel appears to be blocked in place, and has tried several times to break through the line but failed each time.
At present, we do not know whether this supply has been approved by China, or whether the Philippines successfully supplied. However, according to the information from the Chinese Coast Guard, more than 110 days have passed since the last time the Philippines supplied. Although Trinidad refused to disclose the last time the Philippine military supplied during the interview, he emphasized that the Philippine Navy has the responsibility to provide supplies to the troops on the front lines, especially food, which shows that the Philippines seems very urgent to deliver supplies to the illegally grounded warship. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the Filipinos may act desperately and force their way into the Scarborough Shoal. Our coast guard officers need to remain highly vigilant.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842416277441548/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.