The Philippines suddenly changed its goal in the South China Sea. It originally sent supplies to Ren'ai Reef and stormed Scarborough Shoal, but changed it to boarding Iron Line Reef to conduct so-called "scientific research". Unexpectedly, it was really successful. A team of 34 people boarded the Tiexian Reef at one time to achieve "touching porcelain". Not only did they take samples and take photos for publicity, but they can also use it to claim so-called "sovereignty" in the future. After the Philippine "scientific expedition personnel" successfully landed on the reef, the Chinese Coast Guard also landed on the reef to conduct verification and disposal. However, according to the latest footage, there was no conflict between the two parties and they were driven away.
Ignore the warning and continue to record
Iron Reef is originally not big, but the part of the associated sandbar exposed above the water at low tide is quite considerable. It can at least accommodate some buildings and dozens of people. It is not a big problem. No wonder the Philippines has been coveting this for a long time, and it is only 2.5 nautical miles away from Thitu Island, which is illegally occupied by the Philippines. Based on Thitu Island, which currently has complete conditions, it is very convenient to take action on Iron Reef at any time.
Due to the short distance, 2.5 nautical miles is equivalent to about 5 kilometers, and it actually takes less than a few minutes for ships to sail at high speed. With such convenient conditions, the Philippines carefully selected ship crews to gather at Thitu Island in advance and set off early in the morning on March 21. The whole process is estimated to only take more than 10 minutes to arrive. It can be said that the tactics were properly arranged. Although the four coast guard and fishery administration ships dispatched were unable to break through the interception, they directly put people in small boats and rushed to the Iron Wire Reef. It was indeed difficult for the Chinese coast guard ship to block the reef, so the landing was successfully completed. Sampling activities.
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Philippine "scientific expedition personnel" landed on the reef
Chinese Coast Guard members landed on the reef
We can see from the photos released by the Philippines that the drones were not only clear and well prepared for the filming, they set up on the Iron Wire Reef. There is an awning, and it can be seen that the activity time on it is quite long. And everyone has their own tasks to arrange. Some people are editing after filming, and some are digging soil on the sandbank to take samples. Whether it is a real "scientific expedition" or not, at least it makes the outside world think that it is. There are also people guarding the small boats on the reef to prevent them from being washed away by the waves. Although the Chinese Coast Guard and warships are nearby, they don't seem to feel very nervous.
The Philippine "scientific expedition" personnel who boarded the reef completed taking photos and checking in, and then conducted sand sampling and other tasks before beginning an orderly evacuation back to the ship. Then Brigadier General Talila, the spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard, who led the team, held a brief press conference on the ship. There were many media reporters waiting on the ship. It can be said that the operation was perfectly organized and announced that the reef landing was a success.
The tasks were arranged in an orderly manner
The press conference was held on the ship
In fact, from the beginning of the action, to the invasion of the reef with a small boat, to the evacuation back to the big ship for the press conference, the Philippines had formulated a very detailed plan in advance. It can be said that they are sure to succeed. The top leaders of the Philippine military are very keen to personally lead the team on the front line. For example, in the past, they either sent supplies to Ren'ai Reef or rushed to Scarborough Shoal. As long as the operation is successful, it will bring them huge political resources. In the future, they can If you get a promotion and a salary increase, you can also join politics. From the perspective of
, we return to the China Coast Guard law enforcement scene. After the Philippine "scientific expedition" personnel evacuated, a team of Coast Guard law enforcement members boarded the Iron Line Reef and carried metal detectors to inspect the sand one by one. Netizens say this is mine clearance, but in fact it may be to detect electronic equipment to prevent Filipinos from making small moves on it. The accompanying team members also carried pickaxes so that if suspected equipment was found, they could dig out and take it away. A team was also arranged to guard the boat. It seems that there was no conflict or eviction between the two parties on the islands and reefs. Everyone performed their duties and did their own work, including inspecting and collecting evidence.
On-site verification
On-site verification
As for why Filipinos can board the reef, it is actually because Tiexian Reef is too close to Thitu Island. It is only 5 kilometers away and takes about 10 minutes by speedboat. What's more, Thitu Island is fully equipped and can organize people and ships to dispatch almost at any time. Although China has strong monitoring and interception capabilities, the interception time and space are limited and it is difficult to make it foolproof.Therefore, it seems necessary to fill in the Iron Wire Reef, blow some sand and build a building on it, and cooperate with Subi Island 20 kilometers away. It is completely impossible for the Philippines to engage in "scientific research".
Navy warship
Blow filling operation
