WATCH: China Coast Guard Accused of Seizing and Dumping Supplies Meant for Filipino Troops

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has been accused of seizing and dumping food and other supplies meant for Filipino troops stationed at a remote outpost in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. The Philippine Navy performed an airdrop operation to bring the items to the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated warship grounded in 1999 to protect Manila's claims to the shoal.

But that's not all. The CCG allegedly obstructed a medical evacuation of ailing soldiers, and even used water cannons to drive away a Filipino fishing boat near the shoal. This is not the first time that China has harassed Filipino troops in the area, with previous incidents including damaged vessels and injured personnel.

The Philippine government has yet to respond to requests for comment, but it's clear that tensions are escalating in the West Philippine Sea. The incident comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a thinly veiled reference to Beijing during the Shangri-La Dialogue, denouncing China's "illegal, coercive and aggressive actions" in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Defense Minister, on the other hand, claimed that China was committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and accused a "certain country" of breaking bilateral agreements and making provocations. But it's clear that the situation is increasingly volatile, with the US Defense Secretary calling the harassment faced by Filipino troops "dangerous" and urging cooperation to ensure the South China Sea remains open and free.