On June 17, 2024, the Philippines sent 6 vessels, including 1 supply ship and 2 inflatable boats, to the waters of the Second Thomas Shoal, Spratly Islands, attempting to deliver supplies to the grounded ship Sierra Madre. Unlike previous resupply operations led by the Philippine Coast Guard, this one was directly commanded by AFP Western Command and led by the Philippine Marine Corps, marking an unprecedented escalation. In response, the China Coast Guard took lawful measures to intercept, inspection by boarding, and expel the Philippine vessels that intruded into Second Thomas Shoal waters, as well as confiscated weapons and other non-essential supplies. Multiple collisions occurred between vessels from both sides, leading to close confrontations far exceeding the intensity of previous standoffs, making it the most severe friction in the South China Sea in the past decade. This incident generated significant attention worldwide.