#second thomas shoal

[ricisidro]

Video shows the dramatic China - Philippines clash in the Second Thomas Shoal / Ayungin Shoal (RenaiReef) in the South China Sea / West Philippine Sea on 17 June 2024.

Today, two Chinese warships were spotted near Onok Island in Balabac, Palawan,

GMA Integrated News reports.

-https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/6/20/video-shows-dramatic-china-philippines-clash-in-disputed-waters

-https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3267393/they-were-pirates-philippines-slams-chinas-forceful-actions-new-sea-skirmish

[rhk111sblog]

‘Yun bang PINANGAKUAN kayo na “DETERRENCE” daw ang mga EDCA Bases laban sa Tsina …’ ‘… Pero yun pala hanggang ngayon e na wa-WATERCANNON pa rin pala kayo, LOL’

English Translation: “When you were promised that EDCA would be a DETERRENCE to China …” “… But it turns out that you still end up being WATERCANNONED, LOL”

[firstoccupier]

WPS.News Report: Events in the West Philippine Sea, Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, and South China Sea (January 10-11, 2025)

WPS News Staff ReporterBaybay City | January 11, 2025 The situation in the West Philippine Sea remains fraught with escalating tensions as Chinese naval forces continue their unlawful patrols within Philippine territorial waters. Philippine security officials have expressed a firm commitment to enhancing territorial defense practices in response to increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region.…

[warningsine]

The Philippines says it has “reached an understanding” with China on resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship that has been a key flashpoint between the two countries in the South China Sea

The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the “temporary arrangement” with the two sides agreeing to jointly manage maritime differences and de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea.

Manila deliberately beached a naval ship, the Sierra Madre, on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to reinforce its claims over disputed waters surrounding it, and it has since maintained a small contingent of sailors aboard the vessel who require resupply missions that China has been accused of repeatedly trying to block.

The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not provide details on the “provisional arrangement’ agreed on Sunday for the resupply missions to the Sierra Madre but said it followed “frank and constructive discussions” between the two sides earlier this month.

“Both sides continue to recognise the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the DFA said.

The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the arrangement, adding: “The Chinese side still demands that the Philippine side tow away the ship and restore the original status of [Second Thomas Shoal] as if it were unmanned and without facilities,” a spokesperson said in a statement released early on Monday.

“If the Philippines needs to provide supplies to the ship’s occupants before the Philippines tows away the beached warship, the Chinese side is willing to allow the Philippine side to carry out the transportation and replenishment on humanitarian grounds,” the spokesperson said.

On Monday, Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a statement that Manila would “continue to assert our rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones”, which included Second Thomas Shoal.

The foreign ministry also rejected suggestions by China that the “provisional arrangement” announced on Sunday required Manila to give Beijing “prior notification” and verification of deliveries to the BRP Sierra Madre, reports Agence France-Presse.

China also stood firm over its territorial claims regarding the disputed waters.

“If the Philippines transports a large amount of building materials to the ship and tries to build fixed facilities and permanent outposts, China will never accept it and will resolutely block it in accordance with laws and regulations, so as to safeguard China’s sovereignty,” the spokesperson added.

Philippine security officials also said on Sunday they would carry out the resupply missions on their own despite an offer of help from the US.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday the US would “do what is necessary” to ensure its treaty ally can resupply the Sierra Madre on the Second Thomas Shoal. Sullivan’s Filipino counterpart, Eduardo Año, said the resupply will remain “a pure Philippine operation”.

“There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of US forces in RORE [resupply] mission,” Año said in a statement.

Reuters had previously reported that the Philippines had turned down offers from the US to assist its operations in the South China Sea.

Tensions in the disputed waterway have boiled over into violence in the past year, with a Filipino soldier losing a finger last month in a clash that Manila described as an “intentional-high speed ramming” by the China Coast Guard.

Manila and Washington are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, a pact that can be invoked in case of an armed attack against Philippine forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea. President Joe Biden has affirmed an “ironclad” commitment to aid the Philippines.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, overlapping maritime claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. In 2016, a Hague-based tribunal said China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.

[head-post]

China says US ship ‘illegally intruded’ in territorial waters

China said on Monday that a US Navy ship had illegally entered waters adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed atoll in the South China Sea that has seen several recent maritime clashes.

A spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater of Operations said in a statement:

“The US seriously undermined regional peace and stability.”

China is engaged in disputes with several neighbouring states over extensive claims to territorial waters in the South China Sea. The US Navy said the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords was conducting routine operations in international waters in the South China Sea and did not violate any international law. The US Navy said in a statement:

“Every day the US 7th Fleet operates in the South China Sea, as they have for decades. These operations demonstrate we are committed to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

China has clashed with Philippine vessels several times in recent months and has protested against US ships patrolling disputed territories.

Learn more HERE

[bobbiedlifeinphil]

Montgomery Alabama Riverfront Brawl

[chinemagazine]

Les Philippines accusent la Chine d'avoir saisi des armes sur des bateaux philippins

Manille a accusé le 19 juin des garde-côtes chinois d'avoir saisi des armes sur certains bateaux philippins en mer de Chine méridionale

Manille a accusé le 19 juin des garde-côtes chinois d’avoir saisi des armes sur certains bateaux philippins en mer de Chine méridionale, lors d’une confrontation ayant fait un blessé grave le 17 juin côté philippin. “Le personnel des garde-côtes chinois a embarqué illégalement sur nos RHIBS (bateaux pneumatiques à coque rigide)” et “ils ont récupéré quelques armes”, a déclaré le contre-amiral…

[jeronimoloco]

The ship's boy and survivor of the Empress of Asia attack who became a doctor

When we think of Changi Prison in the context of wartime internment, what often comes to mind is the deprivation, malnutrition, illness, suffering and ill treatment at the hands of merciless captors, that was an undeniable part of the experiences of both the civilians and prisoners of war who were held captive within and in the immediate vicinity of the old gaol’s infamous 20 foot walls. Beyond…

[shipwreckedwithcaptainmarrow]

Another milestone! My second book "Pirate Ghosts & Buried Treasures of the Northeast Coast" has been finalized, and as of today a proof copy is being created for me to review before ordering stock! After its been in progress for 5 and a half years I'll finally be able to hold it in my hands. Wanted to share the update with you mates, and again pre-orders can begin August 28th.

For those unaware, this book is a compilation of both popular and incredibly obscure piratical claims of both hauntings and buried treasure claims regarding the American states of Maryland up to Maine. All tales are relayed as they are known, but then I provide historical context and provide my own notes of their own validity and actual history that may have spawned such claims. Back of the book reads:

Alleged adventures of rakish seafaring rogues and the skeletons they left behind! Do you wish to uncover the secrets of pirate folklore and the mysteries of their buried treasure? Written by pirate historian Captain Marrow, this book takes you on an exciting journey to reveal the truth behind the claimed tales that span from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, to the shore of Long Island, Boston, the remote Isles of Shoals, and to Maine's Penobscot Bay. Legends such as those surrounding New England superstitions, and prominent pirates Thomas Tew, Samuel Bellamy, Edward Low, Dixie Bull, and of course the legendary Captain William Kidd. What other treasures remain from Kidd beyond those of Gardiner's Island? What supernatural beings and magical practices must be taken into consideration when hunting for pirate treasure? Who was the Witch of Wellfleet? What of ghost ships sighted in so many of these rocky bays? This assessment on obscure southeastern pirate folklore presents a comprehensive compilation like no other before, with all tales beneath the intense scrutiny of historic fact and separating truth from fiction. Unearthed from depositions dating to the days of piracy, modern accounts, and newspapers stretching between, no stone is left unturned by pirate historian Captain Marrow in "Pirate Ghosts & Buried Treasures of the Northeast Coast."

Hoping you guys enjoy this one as much as the first one!

Message for Pre-Orders - August 28th Amazon Release Date - September 18th

[beardedmrbean]

A screenshot from video provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines purports to show a Philippine boat forcibly towed away from its fellow Philippine fleet by two China Coast Guard boats, in the South China Sea on June 17, 2024. Credit - Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Philippine military denounced China’s latest actions in the hotly disputed South China Sea, saying that a confrontation earlier this week resulted in a Filipino navy serviceman losing a finger.

Late Wednesday local time, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shared a series of videos and posts on social media about the Monday incident, which it called a “brazen act of aggression.” Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, said the footage serves “as a clear indication that humanity has once again allowed barbarism to trample upon compassion.”

The AFP posts, backed by recordings, asserted that Chinese forces brandished bladed weapons, deployed tear gas, hurled rocks, and blared sirens and strobe lights to cause disorder, among other measures, at Filipino troops aboard rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs). A Chinese aircraft circled overhead, the AFP added, “in a further display of excessive force and intimidation,” as the China Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly forcibly commandeered a Philippine boat.

In a press conference earlier Wednesday, AFP commander Alfonso Torres Jr. said CCG personnel “illegally boarded” the Philippine rubber boats that were conducting a routine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded vessel at the Second Thomas Shoal that has functioned as an outpost to maintain the Philippines’ claim to the shoal.

Torres also said the Chinese “looted” seven of the Philippine navy’s rifles, which were disassembled inside gun cases and were supposed to be for Filipino servicemen stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.

Eight Philippine navy personnel reportedly sustained injuries, though the military has only confirmed one victim: a sailor whose right thumb got severed after the CCG rammed the Philippine boats.

“Because of the speed, the forward portion of the China Coast Guard’s RHIB landed on top of our troop’s RHIB, and unfortunately our troop’s hand was there,” Torres said. “It’s a relief that it wasn’t the whole hand.”

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the standoff, the latest in a series of escalations in the disputed waterway, marked the first time Filipino troops encountered CCG members armed with bladed weapons like bolos, knives, and spears, which they allegedly used to pierce through Philippine Navy boats. “We saw in the video how the Chinese even threatened our personnel by pointing their knives,” Brawner said.

Brawner said the AFP demands that Beijing return the disassembled rifles. “We are also demanding from them to pay for the damages that they have caused,” he added. “For me, this is piracy already… Because they boarded our boats illegally. They got our equipment. Again, based on their actions, it’s like they are pirates.”

The Philippines’ foreign affairs department said it “denounces the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage.”

China’s foreign ministry, in response to the accusations, said Wednesday that its actions against Philippine troops were “professional and restrained and aimed at stopping the illegal ‘resupply mission’,” adding that its maneuvers did not constitute “direct measures.”

The clash came just days after Beijing implemented a new administrative law that effectively authorizes the CCG to arrest foreign vessels that “illegally enter China’s territorial waters” and to detain foreign crews for up to 60 days.

But the Philippines and its allies, including the United States, continue to point to an international tribunal ruling invalidating China’s claims to the sea that China ignores.

The U.S. State Department on Monday condemned China’s actions, which it said “threatens regional peace and stability,” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to a mutual defense treaty with Manila, which is meant to come into effect should Philippine forces face an “armed attack.”

[rhk111sblog]

Is China preparing to REMOVE BRP Madre from Ayungin Shoal, now that their Close Friend Duterte is not in Power anymore, and because of EDCA and other Reasons?

[firstoccupier]

WPS.News Report: Events in the West Philippine Sea, Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, and South China Sea (January 9-10, 2025)

WPS News Staff ReporterBaybay City | January 10, 2025 West Philippine Sea Events: In a troubling development for Philippine sovereignty, the Philippine Navy has documented an unprecedented surge in Chinese vessels, totaling 207 ships, actively navigating the West Philippine Sea. This sizable fleet includes not only commercial and research ships but also at least a dozen Chinese warships,…

[vyntilador]

Give your moots a genshin valentine!! 💝

Spending Valentine's day with them ~

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Genre: Fluff

Characters: Zhongli, Childe, Thoma, Ayato (i still dk how to write for the girls 😔)

A/N: Yall lmk if u wanna add anyone else here

Also I'm prolly making a pt2 i wanna see how theyd confess on valentines lmao

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Zhongli

He's pretty old fashioned so I can see him taking you on walks on Yaoguang shoal for a quick swim or just playing in the sand.

He holds your hand in his giving it light squeezes every now and then, as a silent and subtle way of showing his adoration for you. He has his eyes trained on you as you look around the mesmerizing area withholding both of your memories together.

It's either he gets you on little picnics on Mt. Hulao or you walk through Liyue and admire the view and the people within it.

Midnight walks through Liyue was always something to look forward with him. The way the moonlight illuminates his figure was as usual, a sight to behold. The cute thing is that whenever you pass by a store that sells any Valentine's items (chocolates, flowers, etc.) he always stops by them and buys a few to give it just to you. (Make sure to remind him to bring his wallet tho unless u wanna lose money lmao)

Picnics at Mt. Hulao seem more likely honestly. He sits in the same spot he and his old friends used to.

You're both sat underneath a tree, talking over tea as you look over the surrounding area and admire the exquisite nature Liyue has to offer.

And as the day ends, Zhongli invites you over to Mt. Tianheng to watch the sunset.

You sat on the grass with his hand ontop of yours. You had your eyes on the mesmerizing view of the sky's hue turning from blue to orange just like his eyes as the sun hid and the moon rose. But the whole time, he had his eyes trained on you. Never letting the sweet moment come to waste as he smiles to himself and reminds himself to never ever leave your side until death do you apart.

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Childe

Literally look me in the eyes and tell me the mf won't go and rent a whole ass buffet restaurant for your valentine's date💀 No but starting off strong, he wakes you up with a surprise.

It was early in the morning while you were deep in slumber did you hear the silent creaking of the floor and as you flutter your eyes open, Tartaglia's face comes into view. His cheeks and nose rosy with the cold weather, he holds out a bouquet of flowers and greets you. As seconds pass, you could smell the delectable aroma of the breakfast he had ready downstairs. And by that point, you knew that this would be a long day.

He'd consider having picnics but he's pretty picky so he'd def take you out on a fancy date. (but if u rlly wanted, hed take you out on a picnic. Not in Snehznaya tho lmao)

Imagine if there are any malls in Snezhnaya(IDK HOW TO SPELL IT😭) and he takes you on a date there. Best expect that there's fancy shit there I mean, the harbingers are rich and shi I'd expect everyone else to be at least half of them idk y.

Walking through the halls of the mall with your arm intertwined with his. You kept your eyes trained forwards, avoiding contact with any and every store open but your ever so stubborn boyfriend scouts the mall as if he's looking for prey. The moment his eyes land on a store that sells exquisite clothing, next thing you know, by the blink of an eye, Tartaglia's arms are full of bags with clothing and shoes in them.

Going near dinner time, yeahh he'd go for a dinner date too. Yk 5 star eat all you can type of restaurant that's completely empty for some reason and is only housing you two. You can't rlly complain tho it's enjoyable.

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Thoma

He was debating wether to ask Ayato for a leave and go on a date with you or just give you flowers and chocolates then dip but the moment the siblings heard about it, he was immediately given a day off lmao

I can see him being kinda like Childe here but more toned down in a sense.

You slowly stir awake at the sound of your name getting called and as your eyes slowly open, you lay upon the perfect view of your sweet boyfriend with the prettiest smile ever known to man kind and the gentles eyes. He gives you a soft kiss on your forehead and tells you to get ready since he has breakfast ready downstairs and he leaves.

Around afternoon, he's taking you out on a walk around Inazuma City and giving Taroumaru a visit. You didn't know how long you spent feeding the adorable pup but it was pretty enjoyable and relaxing so you couldn't complain.

If he had the time, he'd definitely go visit Mondstadt with you and visit some old friends and hang out at different spots he used to relax in when he was there.

For dinner, he was supposed to have dinner with Ayato and Ayaka but they insisted that you two have a sweet moment together so he did!

Probably went to Ritou or stayed in Inazuma city to get dinner. He originally wanted to go to Ritou for the view but theres good stuff in Inazuma city.

Picnics around like behind the Kamisato Manor to watch over the sea while enjoying the moment together<3333

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A/N: Naww ik this was short asf but I swear I'm making more LMFAOO I'm just running out of ideas rn and yo girl has to study too😭😭😭

Also thought its abt time to like fix up my acc yk so for everyones info for now, i can (probably) write for Genshin, Twst, obey me, tears of themis, and like a long ass list of animes idk too many i forgot some

[feedyourmind1031]

 Economic Overview: Key Market Developments

Critical Update

Sudden market shifts may occur due to significant events. Monitor trading positions and implement risk management strategies during these uncertain times.

Economic Overview

As we enter a new quarter, the market faces numerous challenges. Rising war tensions, de-dollarization efforts, and upcoming elections in the U.S., France, and Iran contribute to the uncertainty. Here’s a detailed analysis of these developments and their potential impacts.

Currency Shifts

Russia’s move to use the Chinese Yuan for international trade and the increase in gold reserves by central banks are noteworthy. While the Yuan may not replace the U.S. Dollar soon, these actions indicate strategic shifts. Gold purchases serve as a hedge against potential currency volatility.

Geopolitical Conflicts

Middle East: The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has intensified, with Iran warning of severe retaliation if Lebanon is attacked. Daily strikes continue, and countries like the U.S. and Germany have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon.

South China Sea: On June 19, 2024, Chinese coast guard officers attacked Philippine military personnel near the Second Thomas Shoal, escalating tensions. The U.S. has reaffirmed its defense treaty with the Philippines, which could lead to military involvement if violence escalates.

Korean Peninsula: North and South Korea are on edge, with Russia signing a defense treaty with North Korea. Border incidents and threats over South Korea’s potential troop deployment to Ukraine have heightened tensions.

Nuclear Brinkmanship: France and Russia’s nuclear brinkmanship is a significant risk, with both countries attempting to establish deterrent boundaries.

Economic and Market Effects

These conflicts could alter monetary power dynamics and supply chains. Expect increased oil demand and gold purchases as safe-haven assets. Silver demand will also rise due to its military applications.

Diplomatic Relations

Zimbabwe and Zambia: Tensions are high as Zimbabwe aligns more closely with Russia, accusing the U.S. of militarizing Zambia.

Election Updates

Iran: Presidential elections are nearing completion as candidates drop out.

France: The first stage of snap parliamentary elections is complete.

U.S.: The first debate between Biden and Trump was contentious, adding to the uncertainty of the upcoming election.

Natural Disaster Considerations

While not detailed here, it’s crucial to consider the impact of natural disasters on economic activities and implement strong risk management.

Key Market Data and Analysis

Final GDP: Increased from 1.3% to 1.4%.

Unemployment: Fell by 3k more than forecasted, indicating a stronger U.S. economy.

Core PCE: Decreased from 0.3% to 0.1%.

Consumer Confidence: Fell but remained above forecasted numbers.

Housing Market: New home sales dropped significantly, while pending home sales improved slightly but missed expectations.

GOLD

Gold prices remain within a range, with resistance at 2431.705 and support at 2295.536. A bullish trend is expected despite fluctuations.

SILVER

Silver prices showed growth, reaching 29.900 before settling at 29.018. Resistance is expected at 29.900, but an overall upward trend is anticipated.

DXY (Dollar Index)

The dollar index showed growth but may face weakness with the anticipated September rate cut. A bearish outlook is expected.

GBPUSD

The pound remains within a range. With potential rate cuts in both the U.K. and the U.S., significant price changes are unlikely in the near term.

AUDUSD

The Aussie dollar shows upward momentum but needs to break above 0.67142 to confirm this trend. Analysts predict rate cuts only in late 2025, potentially benefiting the currency.

NZDUSD

Similar to the Aussie dollar, the New Zealand dollar shows growth and may benefit from delayed rate cuts until late 2025.

EURUSD

The ECB’s cautious rate cut approach has weakened the Euro. Further cuts are expected but at a slower pace, indicating potential continued weakness.

USDJPY

Despite interventions, the USDJPY continues to grow. Watch for further interventions and economic data to gauge future movements.

USDCHF

The Swiss Franc fell after recent rate cuts. Further rate cuts are uncertain, making the USDCHF volatile.

USDCAD

The CAD showed weakness against the dollar, with analysts predicting further rate cuts. Price consolidation is expected as we await more data.

Stay informed and practice diligent risk management as we navigate these challenging market conditions. More updates to come.

[head-post]

Philippine sailors seriously injured in collision in South China Sea

At least eight Philippine sailors were injured on Monday when the Chinese Coast Guard “searched” a Philippine vessel in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, Philippine media reported on Wednesday.

During a clash between the two countries’ forces in the disputed South China Sea, a member of the armed forces had his finger cut off, the Philippine media outlet Inquirer reported, citing official sources.

The Philippine military confirmed on Tuesday that a navy sailor was “severely injured” after “deliberately ramming at high speed” a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship during a resupply mission.

Philippine officials also claimed that CCG personnel pierced Navy boats with their bolos and also took possession of their weapons.

“We have arms, but we did not use those. We don’t want to start a war,” the media outlet quoted Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. as saying and added their soldiers fought with bare hands to prevent CCG from hitting them.

Chinese Coast Guard personnel on Monday “blocked, boarded and searched” a Philippine vessel that “trespassed” in waters near Ren’ai, a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

In a new escalation, the CCG forcibly removed the vessel from the disputed waters, where it “attempted to send materials to its illegally grounded warship,” the CCG said.

New Rules for Philippine Ships

It was the first incident since the CCG implemented its new rules of engagement in the vast disputed sea on Saturday. Under the new rules, China can detain suspected trespassers for up to 60 days.

The Philippine vessel was on a resupply mission for the grounded World War II warship BRP Sierra Madre on a shoal claimed by both Beijing and Manila.

Beijing accused Manila of “violating” the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea, while Manila called China’s claims “deceptive and misleading.”

The two maritime neighbours have conflicting claims to the Second Thomas Shoal – also known as Ayungin Shoal, Bai Co May, and Ren’ai Jiao – a submerged reef near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Read more HERE