Philippines, China agree on troop resupply mission in South China Sea
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The arrangement was reached during talks between the two countries aimed at increasing communication channels to resolve maritime disagreements.
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Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre is seen at the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, at the South China Sea, April 23, 2023 (AP)
The Philippines and China have agreed on a provisional arrangement for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
This agreement comes after a series of escalating confrontations in the disputed waters, where Chinese and Philippine ships have clashed multiple times.
A Filipino sailor was injured in a June 17 incident when Chinese coast guard members used weapons to block a Philippine Navy resupply attempt.
Read more: Philippines to 'stand our ground' in South China Sea dispute
The arrangement was reached during talks between the two countries aimed at increasing communication channels to resolve maritime disagreements.
According to the Philippine foreign ministry, both sides recognized the need to de-escalate the situation and manage differences through dialogue and consultation.
"The Philippines and the People's Republic of China have reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal," the ministry stated, using the Filipino name for Second Thomas Shoal.
The BRP Sierra Madre, deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's claims, houses a small contingent of Filipino troops who require regular resupplies. The foreign ministry did not provide specific details of the arrangement but emphasized the importance of dialogue.
The resupply missions will remain a Philippine operation for now. "As far as the RORE (rotation and resupply mission) is concerned, we're keeping it as a purely Philippine operation utilizing Philippine ships, personnel, and leadership," Jonathan Malaya, National Security Council assistant director-general, informed AFP.
However, this policy could change depending on guidance from top management.
Read more: US to withdraw mid-range missile system from Philippines
The US has expressed strong support for the Philippines, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stating that the US will ensure the Philippines can continue these missions.
"We will continue to support the Philippines and stand behind them as they take steps to be able to ensure that," Sullivan said during the Aspen Security Forum conference in Colorado.
The Philippines and the US have a mutual defense pact that includes protection in the South China Sea, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
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