Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese vessels blocked Second Thomas Shoal resupply mission

The Philippine Coast Guard said its September 24 humanitarian and sustainment mission to Second Thomas Shoal was obstructed by China Coast Guard and People's Liberation Army Navy vessels. The boats were unable to deliver supplies to the grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre. The disputed shoal lies in the South China Sea and is claimed by Manila as part of its exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine statement said Chinese vessels conducted dangerous manoeuvres that created a serious collision risk for the resupply boats. Reuters reported no actual collision, weapons use or injuries, and N Globe is therefore not describing the encounter as an armed clash.

The coast guard said the actions were inconsistent with international law and the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, and that Manila would continue lawful operations. That legal assessment and the account of the manoeuvres are the Philippine position. China's embassy in Manila had not responded to Reuters at publication time.

China and the Philippines reached a provisional arrangement on Second Thomas Shoal resupply missions in 2024 that had helped prevent confrontations. Reuters noted that Manila also accused China Coast Guard personnel in July 2026 of using water cannon and striking a Philippine navy member with a baton. The two governments maintain conflicting claims over sovereignty and enforcement rights in the area.

What is currently established is that the Philippine Coast Guard issued a formal public accusation and said the mission was not completed. Exact vessel distances, full tracks, communications between the parties and China's version have not been published. N Globe will update this report when more verifiable information emerges.

Verification status: developing (formal Philippine Coast Guard statement reported by Reuters; China had not responded). News value: B-level important news. Origin: Philippines, Asia. Primary section: Security. Related regions: China, Asia and worldwide. Source time: September 25, 2026, 06:14 UTC. Report time: September 25, 2026, 07:58 UTC. N Globe editorial illustration, not footage of the incident.