Malacañang yesterday described as “objectionable” China’s blocking of a Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The Department of National Defense (DND) reported recently that a Chinese coast guard vessel prevented three Philippine ships from delivering supplies to Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre last May. BRP Sierra Madre is a grounded landing ship that serves as a Philippine military detachment at Ayungin Shoal, located about 105 nautical miles from the province of Palawan. China is also claiming the shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Jiao.

Romero, A. (2019, September 24). Palace hits Chinese blocking of Ayungin resupply. The Philippine Star, p. 4.