Philippines warns China of ‘red line’ if BRP Sierra Madre is towed from shoal

CHINA would be crossing a “red line” if it tries to towa grounded Philippine warship from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, a Philippine Navy spokesman said on Tuesday, stressing that contingency plans are in place after a Chinese navy tugboat ‘was spotted in the contested waters.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio Reporter

Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad confirmed increased Chinese activities at Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal.

He said the People’s Liberation Army-Navy had deployed a tugboat that might just be for its own use, but warned that Manila would view any attempt to remove the grounded vessel BRP Sierra Madre as hostile.

“There are already rules of engagement and contingency plans in place for any eventuality, including actions like those the other side might take,” Mr. Trinidad told reporters in Filipino.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era landing ship, was deliberately run aground by the Philippines in 1999 to serve as a permanent outpost at the shoal, which lies within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. A handful of Philippine marines has since been stationed aboard the rusting vessel.