For months, the Philippine military has been quietly reinforcing the naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre, which has been grounded on Second Thomas Shoal since 1999, amid China's extensive construction of artificial islands nearby.

The BRP Sierra Madre ship is almost completely dilapidated after many years at Second Thomas Shoal (Photo: CBS).

The information was revealed to the press by two Philippine naval officials. According to them, the operation began late last year, with numerous fishing boats and small rafts being used to transport cement, steel, cables, and welding equipment onto the BRP Sierra Madre, despite attempts by Chinese coast guard vessels to intercept.

The BRP Sierra Madre is a 100-meter-long landing ship that served in the US Navy during World War II. The ship was later transferred to the Philippines, and the Philippine Navy intentionally ran it aground on Second Thomas Shoal, turning it into a military outpost to support Manila's territorial claims in the Spratly Islands.

A small unit of Philippine soldiers is currently stationed on this ship.

According to a naval official, China is still "waiting for the ship to rot away," but the Philippines is "doing everything it can to keep the ship afloat." The official added that while the work is progressing slowly, it will be completed before the end of this year.

Another naval officer revealed that, due to the hot weather, the welding work to reinforce the ship often takes place at night. A concrete foundation is also cast inside the hull to keep the ship stable.

Located not far west of Second Thomas Shoal is Mischief Reef, one of seven coral reefs in the Spratly Islands that China is rapidly transforming into artificial islands. Beijing has brazenly declared that these sites will serve its military and civilian purposes.

Philippine Foreign Ministry spokesman Charles Jose declined to comment on reports that the BRP Sierra Madre was being reinforced. However, he stated that if such work were taking place, it would not violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), signed between China and ASEAN in 2002.

"In our view, repairing and maintaining existing equipment is permissible…especially when such repair and maintenance work ensures the safety of our personnel and maritime safety," added Jose.

In addition to its role as a military outpost, the BRP Sierra Madre is nominally a naval vessel serving in the Philippine Navy. This means the country can request U.S. assistance in the event of an attack, under the terms of a security treaty signed between the two countries decades ago, according to several Philippine military officials.

"Even if it's covered in rust, it's still a naval vessel in service, on duty. It's a symbol of our sovereignty," a Philippine army general declared.

(According to Dan Tri newspaper)