WEEK IN REVIEW: Philippines Coast Guard Successfully Circumvented Chinese Maritime Forces in the South China Sea – The China Global South Project

The Philippines Coast Guard successfully circumvented Chinese maritime forces in the South China Sea to deliver provisions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated WWII-era warship grounded on a contested shoal. China denounced Tuesday’s delivery as “illegal.” (RAPPLER)

Vietnam is reportedly planning to fortify its presence on the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, an area also claimed by both China and the Philippines, according to a report by Manila Times. Vietnam’s Defense Ministry and its navy are leading the $270 million project that involves dredging and landfilling to build a dock and upgrading missile and anti-aircraft facilities on Pearson Reef and Pigeon Reef, which Vietnam controls. The move could heighten tensions with both Beijing and Manila. (NIKKEI ASIA)