菲海岸警卫队“斯丹岗号(BRP Sindangan MRRV-4407)”巡逻舰。图:翻摄Philippine Coast Guard脸书
本月月初中国海警使用水炮攻击菲律宾为仁爱礁(Second Thomas Shoal)坐滩军舰“马德雷山号(BRP Sierra Madre LT-57)”运补船只引发争议。菲律宾上周透露将在本周“再次尝试”向阿云津礁(仁爱礁)的船只部队运送补给物资,根据长期关注南海局势的越南军事记者段当(Duan Dang,音译)在社群媒体“X”发文,指菲国似乎已在今天(22日)突破中国封锁完成运补任务,待船舰人员安全返港后,相信菲国会对外说明。
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
根据前美国国防高级官员鲍威尔(Ray Powell)社群媒体“X”发文透露,菲海岸警卫队出动“卡布拉号(BRP Cabra MRRV-4409)”和“斯丹岗号(BRP Sindangan MRRV-4407)”2艘由日本打造的Parola级巡逻舰护航,掩护补给船只驶向仁爱礁。
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.
— Ray Powell (@GordianKnotRay) August 21, 2023
??#China deployed 4 militia ships from Mischief Reef to take up blockade positions at Ayungin. [?1/x] pic.twitter.com/6PUJnEV7sJ
而依据中国《搜狐网》新闻报导,中国大小、军民船艇配置,有多达15艘海警船、渔船在美济礁(Mischief Reef)及仁爱礁周边活动,包括4000吨级“海警5305”、3450吨的“海警3303”及300吨的“海警21551”、“海警21556”等。报导中还特别指出,有4艘渔船“在菲船的必经之路占据了有利位置”。
目前菲国官方尚未宣布运补任务成功的讯息,但预期将以“人道”立场,宣称运补物资不包含用于大规模维修加固的建筑物资,做为双方的“下台阶”。