Reuters: Philippines rejects China's demand to remove grounded navy ship
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines will not remove a dilapidated navy ship grounded on an atoll in the South China Sea, its defence chief said on Thursday, rejecting a demand by China after it blocked a mission to resupply the vessel's crew.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed China's assertion on Wednesday that the Philippines had committed to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, which was intentionally grounded at the Second Thomas shoal in 1999 to reinforce Manila's sovereignty claims in the Spratly archipelago.
The 100 metre-long (330-ft) tank landing ship was built for the U.S. Navy during World War Two.
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Philippines Rejects China's Demand To Remove Grounded Navy Ship On Atoll Claimed By Both Sides
Philippines rejects China’s demand to remove ship from shoal -- AP
PH denies 'commitment' to remove grounded ship from Ayungin Shoal as claimed by China -- CNN
Philippines accuses China of 'harassment' in disputed sea -- AFP
Philippines navy completes resupply mission after Chinese blockade -- CNN/Reuters
Philippine Navy Brings Supplies to Troops in Second Thomas Shoal One Week After China Coast Guard Attack -- USNI News