PH, China agree on resupply mission deal to Ayungin Shoal — DFA

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines and China have agreed on a provisional arrangement for resupply and rotation missions to the Ayungin Shoal, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday, July 21.

In a statement, the DFA said the understanding on the provisional arrangement came “after a series of consultations following the frank and constructive discussions between the two sides during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Manila on 2 July 2024.”

“Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the DFA added.

The announcement came days after NewsWatch Plus learned about the signing of the “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms.” Such a deal would provide communication channels at the leaders level. 

The Philippines intentionally ran aground BRP Sierra Madre on the Ayungin Shoal, internationally called the Second Thomas Shoal, to stake Manila's territorial claim in the contested waterway. Filipino sailors are deployed to the vessel.

Tensions surround resupply and rotation missions of Philippine forces to the dilapidated tank amid increasing Chinese aggressions in the West Philippine Sea.

NewsWatch Plus multiplatform producer Jelo Ritzhie Mantaring contributed to this report.