US Navy Mulls on Sending Marines to BRP Sierra Madre if Chinese Blocking of Supply Continues

American Director of Asia-Pacific Security Program, Dr. Patrick M. Conin, said US Navy may consider deploying US Marines on board the stationed BRP Sierra Madre, if Chinese vessels continue to block the supply of the current Philippine soldiers there.

Cronin enumerated ten essential elements of a U.S. foreign policy to deal with the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) during a hearing of United State House Committee on Foreign Affairs-Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific regarding America’s Security Role in the South China Sea July 23, 2015.

One of ten elements Cronin recommended American lawmakers is US “should enumerate a menu of potential cost-imposition policy options that transcend reputational and legal costs and make clear that bad behavior will incur a price.”

“If China tries to prevent the resupply of the grounded Philippine naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, then the United States might not only offer to resupply it, but could also consider deploying a few Marines on rotation as part of the crew’s training detachment,” he said.

The BRP Sierra Madre is an active outpost stationed near Ayungin Shoal and manned by at least a dozen of Philippine soldiers in scheduled rotation.

Reports earlier suggest that sending supplies of the stationed military are becoming more and more difficult because of Chinese blockage.

Ayungin Shoal is included in the disputed islands and is controlled by the Philippines.

China claims almost ninety percent of the South China Sea including the Philippine-controlled islands.

The US plan to send troops on board the old ship is a big boost to moral and confidence of the Filipino soldiers.

/Ang Malaya/ Sarah Gamboa/

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