Bullit Marquez/AP Photos
China has repeatedly targeted resupply missions for the outpost. For instance, in June, Chinese vessels and crews armed with bladed weapons raided Philippine ships near the Sierra Madre. The incident followed earlier clashes in which China rammed vessels or hit them with water cannons. These tense encounters have continued, raising concerns.
The US and the Philippines have a mutual defense pact, meaning if one is attacked, the other would come to its aid. The incidents so far, while troubling, have fallen short of this expectation.
But the possibility of US involvement remains. Just last month, for example, US Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Samuel Paparo said that US vessels could escort Philippine ships on resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, calling that “an entirely reasonable option” within the treaty.
China claims sovereignty over a majority of the South China Sea, even though its claims are not recognized by international law. Over the past few years, China has increased its efforts to assert its authority in the region, bringing it into conflict with the Philippines. Manila says that Beijing’s behavior violates its exclusive economic zone.
China’s moves against the Philippines also come against the backdrop of larger tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Other US allies and partners have accused Beijing of violating their airspace and waters or recklessly harassing their aircraft operating in international airspace.