China Tells PHL to Stop Repair, Tow Away BRP Sierra Madre

After Philippine Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo, said earlier that BRP Sierra Madre is undergoing minor repair, China reacted and told the Philippines to stop the repair and tow away the rusty ship.

“The Chinese side is resolute in safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China once again urges the Philippines to immediately stop all illegal activities that infringe upon China’s sovereignty and maritime rights, and honor its commitment of towing away the vessel,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

“China reserves the right to take further actions,” she added.

The Chinese spokesperson said, with the repairs being done, “the Philippines not only refuses to fulfill its commitment of towing away the vessel, but also aggravates the situation by carrying out illegal activities in an attempt to permanently occupy the Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal/Second Thomas Shoal).”

In 1999, The Philippine Navy ran the ship aground on the Ayungin Shoal to maintain their territorial claim in the area.

In 2013, the New York Times reported on the life of the handful of marines stationed on board the Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, and the vessel’s role in the geopolitics of the South China Sea. One may infer from the article that Sierra Madre will never sail again, however she has gained importance due to her role as an outpost in the Spratly Islands dispute.

The List of ships of the Philippine Navy no longer carries her as being in commission; however she has not officially been decommissioned either.

Currently, there are 12 Philippine marines stationed on the ship. It was reported earlier that with the help of Filipino fishermen, light construction materials are being slipped to the ship avoiding tight security of Chinese Coast Guards patrolling in nearby areas.

The Department of national Defense (DND) said that the repair does not violate any international law because the facility is still commissioned, and the repairs are for the safety of the soldiers who are on active duty.

Any attack by a foreign country to an active military outpost like the BRP Sierra Madre is an act of war according to DND.

/Carla Gamboa/

Comments

comments