"BRP Sierra Madre: A WWII Legacy Anchored in the South China Sea"

M.R Mishra
Jul 2, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 3, 2024

The BRP Sierra Madre, intentionally grounded by the Philippine Navy in 1997 near Second Thomas Shoal, serves as a strategic outpost reinforcing the Philippines' territorial claim in the contested South China Sea. Despite its deteriorated condition, it remains a symbol of Philippine sovereignty, housing a contingent of marines.

The ship's presence is a point of ongoing tension with China, which disputes the Philippines' right to maintain it within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Originally a World War II vessel, the ship has a rich history, having served in both the Pacific Theater and the Vietnam War before its current role. The Philippine government continues to assert its rights and conduct necessary repairs despite China's opposition.

Brief History:

On May 9, 1997, the Philippine Navy’s aging tank landing ship, BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), intentionally ran aground on a reef near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

Six days later, two Chinese frigates reportedly arrived, pointing their guns at the stranded vessel but offering no assistance.

The Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded to serve as an outpost, reinforcing the Philippines' claim to the contested South China Sea territory.

Despite its deteriorated condition, the Sierra Madre remains commissioned and houses a contingent of Philippine Marines, symbolizing Philippine sovereignty.

Named after the remote Sierra Madre Mountains in northern Philippines, the ship fittingly became a remote outpost. While much media attention has focused on the Sierra Madre as a geopolitical flashpoint, less is known about its extensive history.

Originally USS LST-821, the ship was built for World War II service, launched on September 19, 1944, and commissioned on November 22, 1944. It served in the Pacific, mainly ferrying supplies, earning one battle star before being decommissioned in July 1946.

Renamed USS Harnett County, the ship was reactivated during the Vietnam War, providing crucial support in Operation Game Warden. It was equipped with facilities for helicopters and boats, playing a key role in riverine operations.

The Harnett County earned commendations for its service before being transferred to South Vietnam as RVNS My Tho (HQ-800), aiding in the evacuation of thousands during the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Current State is Rusted

After a brief period under U.S. custody, the ship was transferred to the Philippine Navy in 1976, renamed BRP Dumagat (AL-57), and later BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57). It continued to serve as an amphibious transport before becoming the strategic outpost it is today.

Chinese Dispute

China disputes the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre because it is part of the broader territorial conflict over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

1. Territorial Claims: China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, delineated by its "nine-dash line," which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several countries, including the Philippines. The presence of the BRP Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal is a direct challenge to China's territorial claims.

2. Strategic Importance: The South China Sea is a critical maritime area, rich in natural resources like fish and potential underwater oil and gas reserves. It is also a vital shipping route, with a significant portion of global trade passing through.

3. Military Presence: By maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre as an outpost, the Philippines asserts its sovereignty and military presence in the region, countering China's efforts to dominate and militarize the area. This presence complicates China's strategic plans and its ability to control the region.

4. International Law: The Philippines' action of grounding the BRP Sierra Madre is seen as a move to solidify its claims under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that China's claims have no legal basis, which China has rejected.

5. Sovereignty Assertion: The continuous manning of the BRP Sierra Madre by Filipino marines symbolizes the Philippines' assertion of its sovereignty over the disputed area, directly opposing China's extensive territorial claims.

These factors contribute to the ongoing tension and dispute between China and the Philippines over the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre in the South China Sea

The Philippine government insists on its right to maintain the ship as it lies within their EEZ, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and continues to conduct necessary repairs despite China's opposition

What is EEZ?

An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast of a sovereign state, within which the state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind.

The EEZ includes the waters adjacent to the coast, the seabed, and the subsoil. However, it does not grant the coastal state full sovereignty over the area, as it does within its territorial waters (which extend up to 12 nautical miles from the coast), but it does grant the state certain rights to utilize marine resources.

Infographics:

Latest Update: July 2024

GLOBAL CONDEMNATION ON CHINA'S ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

Global outrage mounts as China's unlawful actions in the Philippines' EEZ draw condemnation from countries worldwide. China's false justifications of law enforcement expose attempts to expand control beyond limits set by International Law. Despite its power, China's actions are rejected internationally, posing a risk to regional stability and the global order. The defiance of established legal frameworks by China sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rules-based international system and risks destabilizing the peace and security of the region and beyond.