Philippines Has ‘Secretly Reinforced’ South China Sea Outpost, Report Claims – The Diplomat

Last night, the Financial Times published a report claiming that the Philippines has “secretly reinforced” the grounded warship at the center of its unfolding stand-off with China in the South China Sea – something that Beijing has long opposed.

Citing “six people familiar with the operation,” FT’s Demetri Sevastopulo reported that the Philippines “has conducted missions to reinforce the Sierra Madre,” a rusting warship that is grounded on Second Thomas Shoal, a low-tide elevation in the Spratly Islands. They have done so…