Philippines Accuses China of Seizing Food Supplies for Outpost in South China Sea

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated following an incident in which Chinese vessels allegedly seized food supplies and medicines intended for Philippine military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine military said Chinese boats intercepted and seized one of four food packs that were airdropped to the Filipino outpost in disputed waters in the South China Sea on May 19. The food supplies were meant for the Philippine Marines aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a deliberately grounded navy vessel that has served as a Philippine outpost since 1999 in the disputed Spratly Islands. According to Philippine military officials, the Chinese Coast Guard moved in aggressively, with two rigid-hulled inflatable boats coming within 10 meters (10 yards) of the Sierra Madre, to seize the packages. Footage released by the Philippine military showed four motorboats racing dangerously to retrieve items floating at sea....