On 2 February, a Philippine supply ship, escorted by Philippine coast guard vessels, went to Ren'ai Jiao to provide supplies to the illegal "beached" landing ship "Sierra Madre".
In the past, whenever a Philippine supply ship was found to have entered Second Thomas Shoal, China's coast guard ships would immediately take tough measures to intercept and drive them away.
Since high-level talks between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue in January, the two countries have reached a consensus.
As long as the Philippine side provides the Chinese side with relevant information about the supply ship in advance, and clearly stipulates that it is forbidden to load construction materials and military equipment on board, the China Coast Guard can release the supply ship.
For example, on February 2, the Chinese coast guard did not intercept the replenishment, but only monitored the whole process.
It can be seen that this negotiation has allowed China and the Philippines to reach a consensus on the issue of the "Sierra Madre".
The two sides uphold the principles of mutual respect and understanding, reasonably resolve disputes, and avoid the escalation of contradictions between the two countries.
However, this is also China's last chance for the Philippines.
As long as the Philippines can strictly abide by the agreement reached between the two countries, China can also make appropriate concessions based on humanitarian principles.
However, if the Philippines unilaterally tears up the agreement, China will no longer make any concessions, and will even strengthen its interception, and will not allow the Philippines to have any speculative opportunities.
Although everyone had expected the Philippines to unilaterally tear up the agreement, what people did not expect was that this day would come so quickly.
At 8:17 a.m. on February 2, a Philippine supply ship sailed into Second Thomas Shoal to resupply the landing ship.
At 8:22, the Philippine 5203 carrier-based speedboat sailed into Ren'ai Jiao again.
The Chinese coast guard followed and monitored the whole process, but during observation, it found two rolls of iron sheets on the speedboat.
To avoid detection by the Chinese coast guard, they painted the iron sheet the same color as the hull.
According to the agreement between China and the Philippines, supply ships are allowed to enter Second Thomas Shoal, but no construction materials are allowed on board.
The Philippines is clearly violating the agreement. In order to avoid defaulting on the debt, the Chinese coast guard immediately took pictures of the iron sheet for evidence.
With this evidence, no matter how much the Philippines quibbles, it cannot confuse black and white.
The China Coast Guard will step up surveillance of Philippine vessels, especially supply vessels, to prevent them from resupplying the Sierra Madre.
Sierra Madre"The ship has been holding on to the reef for more than 20 years, but due to long-term seawater erosion, the hull has been severely corroded, and large holes have appeared in many places.
If it is not possible to replenish construction materials in time in the future, the landing ship will no longer be able to withstand the impact of any wind and waves and face the fate of being destroyed.
Predictably,"Sierra Madre"The future of the ship is already in trouble.