Why a stranded WWII ship is inflaming China, Philippine tensions

MANILA: The most recent spat between China and the Philippines within the South China Sea has an unlikely object at its heart: a World Conflict II-era ship that’s now rusty after being stranded in contested waters for greater than 20 years.

For the Philippines, the ship referred to as BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned naval vessel and is a “everlasting” authorities set up inside its territory.
The Division of Overseas Affairs has stated the vessel was positioned in Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 in response to China’s occupation of close by Mischief Reef 4 years prior. It was put in three years earlier than a South China Sea non-binding code of conduct was signed between Beijing and the members of the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations in 2002.

China, nevertheless, has repeatedly urged the Philippines to tow away the navy vessel that was “illegally” and “intentionally” ran aground on the shoal. Beijing additionally considers the shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Jiao, as a part of its territory.
Beijing has continued to say its expansive claims and construct on options within the South China Sea, even after a 2016 ruling by a global tribunal saying there’s no proof that China has traditionally exercised unique management within the waters. China referred to as the arbitration “pure political drama staged within the identify of the legislation with the US pulling strings behind the scenes,” based on an announcement from its Ministry of Overseas Affairs on Monday.
On August 5, Chinese language and Philippine vessels had one other tense encounter within the disputed sea, with Manila accusing Beijing of utilizing water cannons and blocking a resupply mission to troopers manning the stranded ship. China stated its actions had been justified because the Philippines was supposedly bringing building supplies to the vessel.
The US State Division stated China has “undertaken unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations” with what it stated had been “harmful actions” by its Coast Guard.