Philippines Successfully Resupplies South China Sea Outpost Despite Chinese Opposition

The Philippines successfully delivered supplies to marines stationed on the dilapidated military outpost BRP Sierra Madre in the contested South China Sea, despite attempts by Chinese vessels to block the mission. China's maritime militia, an unofficial force used to push territorial claims, was involved in the harassment. The Philippines intentionally grounded the ship in 1999 to enforce its claim to the area. The South China Sea is a source of tension between Manila and Beijing, with multiple countries laying claim to various islands and atolls. The Philippines' territorial claims are backed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, but China has ignored the ruling.