“Philippine Armed Forces Resupply Mission Hit with Chinese Coast Guard Water Canons” –Video

Thought it worthwhile to pass this video along.

First thing, the Chinese are devoting a lot of resources to isolating this particular outpost, an ancient, badly corroded, grounded, but still commissioned former US LST.  There are three large modern China Coast Guard cutters visible in the video, 5201, 5305, and 4203. All three are about 100 meters in length or larger, all equipped with 76mm guns. We have seen 5201 before.

CRASH AVERTED This photo taken on April 23, 2023 shows BRP Malapascua (right) maneuvering as a Chinese coast guard ship cuts its path at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. AFP PHOTO

Second, the Philippines would have known what they were up against. Couldn’t they have used something faster and more maneuverable that could have gotten around these large cutters to make this supply run. I hope I am wrong, and I may not understand what it takes to reach this grounded LST, but it is almost as if they are failing on purpose.

The US has warned the Chinese against targeting the Philippine Coast Guard.

4 thoughts on ““Philippine Armed Forces Resupply Mission Hit with Chinese Coast Guard Water Canons” –Video

  1. The Philippines tends to do things on the cheap. It’s a habit of theirs.

    They have larger and more capable ships. Maybe a diversionary plan of attack is needed? I agree that the unknown here is the access to this vessel.

  2. The strategy as explained when the Marcos administration took over is to highlight the actions of the Chinese. That’s why there are so many pictures and even overhead drone videos of the event. The PCG and PN both have faster boats but it looks like the main purpose of the operation is to bait the Chinese into doing what they are doing. The Chinese themselves are in a lose-lose scenario here. The lose if the Philippine boats get through, they also lose if they don’t. BTW, the PN has resupplied the garrison via helicopter and airdrops before and those still get through.

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