The maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea reached new levels of tension in May 2023, as China’s coast guard reportedly blocked a Philippine resupply mission.

The incident took place near the contested Second Thomas Shoal, where a Philippine Navy ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, is stationed.

The Philippine government condemned China’s actions as a violation of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Manila filed a formal protest with Beijing and called for greater international intervention in the dispute.

This escalation occurred amid growing concerns over China’s expanding militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea and its increasing efforts to assert its claims over nearly the entire body of water.

The United States and Australia voiced support for the Philippines, pledging continued assistance in the region.