The Philippine Coast Guard invoked international law and the country's exclusive economic zone when it answered the radio challenges transmitted by its Chinese counterparts during the successful resupply mission on Tuesday to the Ayungin Shoal.
"China has indisputable authority over the Nanshan islands, including Ren'ai reef and its adjacent waters," said CCG radio challenge received by the BRP Cabra.The PCG responded by saying it was conducting lawful routine maritime patrol within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The Chinese side had been opposing the transportation of construction materials for the repair of the BRP Sierra Madre, the stranded ship in the Ayungin Shoal that serves as an outpost of the Philippines.
A plane with a "navy" sign was hovering around the area, which is a P-8 Poseidon Plane of the US Navy, according to AFPTV. He said AFP would handle the investigation on how China knows the contents of the resupply ships, which are under the operational control of the AFP Western Command.