A Filipino civilian fleet attempting to deliver supplies to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea was forced to abandon its mission after being pursued by Chinese coast guard ships. The fleet, which included five commercial fishing boats and about 100 small boats, was initiating a three-day operation to provide food and fuel to Filipino fishermen. Despite being intercepted and chased away, a 10-member advance team successfully delivered supplies to the fishermen before the mother ship had to return to Subic Port. The Chinese Foreign Ministry had previously extended goodwill arrangements for Filipino fishing boats in the area, but warned that it would protect its territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction, and would hold the Philippines accountable for any infringements.