China's Decision to Allow Philippines to Supply Troops at Disputed Reef

The Chinese coastguard has said that it recently implemented "temporary special arrangements" to facilitate the delivery of supplies by the Philippines to troops stationed on a World War Two-era vessel that ran grounded at a disputed reef.

The Chinese coastguard previously used their vessels to prevent the Philippines from supplying troops on a transport ship stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal, which is located 190 km (118 miles) away from Palawan, a Philippine island. 

However, in a statement on their official WeChat account, the Chinese coastguard mentioned that they have allowed necessary supplies while emphasizing their commitment to defending China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests at the Second Thomas Shoal and its surrounding waters. 

They also mentioned that on January 21, a small aircraft from the Philippines airdropped supplies to the unlawfully positioned warship. 

According to the statement, the Chinese coastguard has actively tracked and observed the situation in real-time. They have taken appropriate actions in accordance with the laws and regulations, and have made temporary arrangements for the Philippines to acquire essential daily supplies. 

It's worth noting that China asserts its ownership of most of the South China Sea by referencing a demarcation line depicted on its maps that trespasses upon the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. 

The ship has been consistently urged to be removed by China, citing a promise allegedly made by Manila. 

However, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has denied such allegations. In a message on WeChat, it was said that the "concerned parties" in the Philippines intentionally misrepresented the truth and disregarded the facts, which does not help alleviate tensions in the South China Sea.