China-Philippines sea dispute heats up

A rusting former U.S. World War II-era landing ship has sparked renewed tensions over territory in the South China Sea

BRP SIERRA MADRE
Acquired by Philippine Navy in 1976. Deliberately grounded in 1999 to reinforce sovereignty claims
over disputed Spratly Islands

China wants ship – housing small contingent of Philippine Marines – towed away from Second Thomas Shoal



Manila accuses China of blocking resupply missions to ship

Aug 5:
U.S. warns Beijing after Chinese ship sprays supply vessel with water cannon

CHINA 
Scarborough Shoal
PACIFIC  OCEAN
Manila 
PHILIPPINES
MALAYSIA
Second Thomas Shoal
BRUNEI
VIETNAM
Spratly Islands
Paracel Islands
SOUTH CHINA SEA

TAIWAN
INDONESIA
400km 250 miles

RIVAL CLAIMS
China
Philippines
Taiwan
Malaysia 
Vietnam
Brunei


U.S. ACCESS TO PHILIPPINE BASES
Access granted in 2014 
Agreed Feb 2023

Sources: Reuters, U.S. Naval Institute, Stratfor

Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS