本月月初中國海警使用水炮攻擊菲律賓為仁愛礁(Second Thomas Shoal)坐灘軍艦「馬德雷山號(BRP Sierra Madre LT-57)」運補船隻引發爭議。菲律賓上週透露將在本週「再次嘗試」向阿雲津礁(仁愛礁)的船隻部隊運送補給物資,根據長期關注南海局勢的越南軍事記者段當(Duan Dang,音譯)在社群媒體「X」發文,指菲國似乎已在今天(22日)突破中國封鎖完成運補任務,待船艦人員安全返港後,相信菲國會對外說明。
As expected, 2 high-speed CCG vessels, 21551 and 21556, deployed to Second Thomas Shoal in an attempt to block Philippine supply ships. Mission appears to have concluded. I've heard positive news but awaiting the announcement, possibly after the crew returns safe and sound!
— Duan Dang (@duandang) August 22, 2023
根據前美國國防高級官員鮑威爾(Ray Powell)社群媒體「X」發文透露,菲海岸警衛隊出動「卡布拉號(BRP Cabra MRRV-4409)」和「斯丹崗號(BRP Sindangan MRRV-4407)」2艘由日本打造的Parola級巡邏艦護航,掩護補給船隻駛向仁愛礁。
1/Philippines' promised follow-up resupply mission to Ayungin (2nd Thomas) Shoal now underway. @coastguardph escorts BRP Cabra & BRP Sindangan now inbound from Sabina Shoal. China deployed 4 militia ships from Mischief Reef to take up blockade positions at Ayungin. [1/x] pic.twitter.com/6PUJnEV7sJ
— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) August 21, 2023
而依據中國《搜狐網》新聞報導,中國大小、軍民船艇配置,有多達15艘海警船、漁船在美濟礁(Mischief Reef)及仁愛礁周邊活動,包括4000噸級「海警5305」、3450噸的「海警3303」及300噸的「海警21551」、「海警21556」等。報導中還特別指出,有4艘漁船「在菲船的必經之路佔據了有利位置」。
目前菲國官方尚未宣布運補任務成功的訊息,但預期中國將以「人道」立場,宣稱運補物資不包含用於大規模維修加固的建築物資,做為雙方的「下台階」。