China Makes a Risky Play for This Old Warship – Watch the US Step In!

Tensions are rising in the South China Sea, with a potential flashpoint looming between the Philippines and China. The focus of this growing conflict is the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship that the Philippines intentionally grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal. This rusted relic has become a symbol of Manila’s claim to its maritime territory, and any attempt by China to seize it could have serious consequences. The Philippines has made it clear: if China takes the Sierra Madre, the U.S. is expected to intervene.

In a recent interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro shed light on ongoing discussions between Manila and Washington. These talks revolve around the circumstances under which the U.S. would step in to defend the Philippines. One key scenario, Teodoro explained, would be if China were to take the BRP Sierra Madre. “If China were to take the Sierra Madre, that is a clear act of war on a Philippine vessel,” Teodoro said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The BRP Sierra Madre is more than just a decaying warship—it’s a strategic marker. Originally a U.S. Navy tank landing ship during World War II, it was later transferred to Vietnam before finding its final home with the Philippine Navy. Manila grounded it in 1999 on the Second Thomas Shoal, effectively turning it into a permanent outpost to assert its claims in the region. Despite its rusty exterior, it’s home to a small contingent of Philippine marines who protect it as a symbol of the nation’s sovereignty. As Teodoro put it, “That is an outpost of Philippine sovereignty…we’re not talking about a rusty, old vessel solely. We’re talking about a piece of Philippine territory.”

This grounded warship has been at the center of repeated tensions with China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, a claim not recognized by international law. China’s aggressive actions in the area have escalated in recent months, including incidents where Chinese vessels targeted Philippine supply missions to the Sierra Madre. In June, for example, Chinese forces armed with bladed weapons intercepted Philippine ships near the outpost. Previous confrontations involved Chinese ships ramming Philippine vessels and even using water cannons to disrupt resupply efforts. These incidents, while concerning, have not yet triggered direct U.S. involvement.

The Philippines and the U.S. share a mutual defense treaty, which commits both nations to defend one another in the event of an attack. While the clashes in the South China Sea haven’t yet reached the threshold for invoking this treaty, the possibility of U.S. intervention is on the table. Just last month, Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, suggested that U.S. naval vessels could escort Philippine ships on future resupply missions to the Sierra Madre. He described this as “an entirely reasonable option” under the terms of the treaty, indicating that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation.

China’s aggressive behavior extends beyond the Philippines. Other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including U.S. allies and partners, have accused Beijing of violating their airspace and waters, often recklessly harassing military aircraft in international airspace. These actions have contributed to rising tensions across the broader region, fueling fears of a larger conflict.

The stakes in the South China Sea are high. For the Philippines, the BRP Sierra Madre is a symbol of national pride and sovereignty. For China, it represents a challenge to its sweeping claims in the region. As these tensions continue to build, the Philippines looks to its ally, the U.S., for support, raising the question of how long this fragile balance can last before tipping into outright conflict.