Part 3/19:

A noteworthy incident occurred on March 5, 2024, involving a Filipino resupply boat, BRP Unisa May 4, attempting to reach the grounded Philippine vessel, BRP Sierra Madre, stationed on Second Thomas Shoal. This classic territorial outpost, deliberately grounded in 1999 by the Philippines to establish sovereignty, has become a flashpoint. Chinese Coast Guard ships and maritime militia blockaded the Filipino vessel, escalating a two-hour standoff with aggressive water cannon fire.