24 March 2014

News Story: Philippines To Challenge Chinese Blockade


By WENDELL MINNICK

TAIPEI — With the eyes of the world focused either on the Russian incursion into Ukraine or the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines passenger plane, another drama that normally would be making international headlines is unfolding in the South China Sea.

On March 9, two Chinese Coast Guard cutters blocked two Philippine transport vessels carrying supplies to marines assigned to a corroding World War II-era vessel marooned on the Ayungin Shoal, known as the Renai Shoal to China.

A few days later, the Philippine military was able to resupply the unit by dropping provisions from a fixed-wing BN-2 Islander light utility aircraft, and now is vowing to send resupply vessels to challenge the Chinese Coast Guard blockade, a Philippine Navy official said.

No date was given, but the eight Philippine Marines based there are normally resupplied every month or two.

Read the full story at DefenceNews