MANILA: The Philippines and China have agreed on an “arrangement” for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, Manila said on Sunday, after a series of escalating confrontations in the disputed waters, AFP reported.
The remote outpost, known as Ayungin Shoal in Filipino, has been a focal point of confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in recent months, as Beijing asserts its claims over the entire South China Sea.
The announcement follows diplomatic discussions earlier this month between the Philippines and China aimed at easing maritime tensions. Both countries agreed to enhance communication channels to resolve disagreements peacefully.
In a statement, the Philippine foreign ministry confirmed the understanding on a “provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.” The BRP Sierra Madre is a dilapidated warship intentionally grounded by Manila in 1999 to reinforce its territorial claims in the area.
Details of the arrangement were not disclosed by the foreign ministry, but it emphasized that both sides acknowledged the importance of de-escalating tensions in the South China Sea and managing differences through dialogue.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the agreement, AFP reported.
Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre require regular resupplies of food, water, and other essentials, as well as transport for personnel rotations. The resupply missions have been a point of contention, particularly after a June 17 incident where a Filipino sailor lost a thumb during a confrontation with Chinese coast guard personnel.
National Security Council assistant director-general Jonathan Malaya clarified earlier on Sunday that the resupply operations remain under Philippine jurisdiction and are conducted using Filipino ships, personnel, and leadership.
“We are keeping it as a purely Philippine operation,” Malaya affirmed, responding to statements from White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who pledged US support to ensure the Philippines can continue its resupply missions.
Sullivan, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, reiterated US commitment to its mutual defence pact with the Philippines, which covers the Pacific theater including the South China Sea. The pact obliges both nations to come to each other’s defence in case of an armed attack against military assets or vessels.
“We will do what is necessary to support the Philippines,” Sullivan stated, emphasizing US readiness to assist its treaty ally in maintaining security and sovereignty amid regional tensions.
