Philippine Navy warns China over BRP Sierra Madre

A Philippine Navy spokesman warned on Tuesday that China would be crossing a 'red line' if it attempts to tow the grounded Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre from Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad confirmed increased Chinese naval activity near the shoal, including the presence of a tugboat, but stressed that Manila has contingency plans in place for any hostile actions.

The Philippines deliberately grounded the warship in 1999 to assert its maritime rights within its exclusive economic zone, while China claims sovereignty over the area and demands the ship's removal.

Mr. Trinidad assured that Philippine resupply operations would continue despite Chinese confrontations during previous missions, emphasizing that Filipino deaths caused by Chinese actions could trigger military assistance under the Mutual Defense Treaty with the US.

Security cooperation between Manila and Washington has intensified, with expanded American access to Philippine military bases under their Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), highlighting Second Thomas Shoal as a potential flashpoint in the South China Sea.