The Philippines and China have agreed on supply operations in the contested South China Sea shoal area.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued a statement recognizing the Philippine military’s supply missions to soldiers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal. They affirmed that such activities would be accepted on humanitarian grounds, provided that prior notification to China is given or on-site monitoring is arranged.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also announced, “We have reached a tentative agreement to supply goods to the Philippine ship BRP Sierra Madre.” In 1999, the Philippine military intentionally grounded the Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin) and stationed approximately ten Marines there, ostensibly to guard the vessel. They have consistently supplied food and materials for the vessel’s upkeep and reinforcement to support their presence.
Recently, tensions have escalated as China obstructed the Philippine military’s resupply missions in the area. In June, the Philippines reported that armed Chinese troops attacked, resulting in severe injuries to their soldiers, including the loss of a finger.
China asserts its sovereignty over the region and has demanded that “the Philippine landing ship be towed away and returned to its original state as an uninhabited island.”
In the recent agreement, China specified that it would not accept the return of large construction materials intended to maintain a permanent military presence. China also stated, “We will resolutely prevent any actions that threaten China’s sovereignty,” signaling that the potential for renewed conflict remains.
