The Philippines and China have announced a “temporary arrangement” regarding resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship in the South China Sea, a crucial point of contention between the two nations. The agreement aims to manage maritime differences and de-escalate ongoing tensions.
Details of the Arrangement
The agreement pertains to the Sierra Madre, a naval vessel intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Philippine claims over the disputed waters. The ship has since been manned by a small contingent of Filipino sailors requiring regular resupply missions, which China has reportedly attempted to block.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not disclose specific details of the provisional arrangement but indicated that it resulted from “frank and constructive discussions” earlier in the month. The DFA emphasized that the agreement would not impact either country’s stance on the South China Sea.
Chinese Conditions and Reactions
China’s foreign ministry confirmed the temporary arrangement but reiterated its demand for the Philippines to remove the beached vessel and restore Second Thomas Shoal to its original state. The ministry stated that while humanitarian grounds would permit supply deliveries to the ship, China would not accept any attempts to build permanent facilities on the shoal.
In response, Philippine foreign ministry spokesperson Teresita Daza reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to asserting its rights and jurisdiction over Second Thomas Shoal and rejected claims that the arrangement required prior notification or verification of deliveries to the Sierra Madre.
US Involvement and Diplomatic Context
Despite offers of assistance from the United States, Philippine security officials have stated that resupply operations will proceed independently. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had affirmed America’s commitment to supporting its treaty ally, but the Philippines’ Eduardo Año confirmed that the operation would remain a purely Philippine affair.
Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated, with incidents including a Filipino soldier being injured in a clash with the China Coast Guard. The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines could be invoked in case of armed conflict involving Philippine forces.
China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, which overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, were invalidated by a Hague-based tribunal in 2016—a ruling China has dismissed.
The arrangement between the Philippines and China marks a significant development in managing maritime disputes and reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to address tensions in the region.
