The Philippines and China have come to an understanding of a provisional arrangement aimed at resupplying missions to a stranded Philippine naval ship located in the South China Sea.
This agreement follows frank and constructive discussions at the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism earlier this month. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila announced this in a statement on Sunday.
Sierra Madre and Second Thomas Shoal
The DFA didn’t provide specific information about the Sierra Madre resupply mission on the Second Thomas Shoal. However, both sides agreed on de-escalation tensions and work on issues through dialogue. They also agreed that this arrangement wouldn’t prejudice intentions in the South China Sea.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), left, steams in formation with the Philippine Navy offshore patrol vessel BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS 15) while conducting a bilateral sail in the South China Sea, Oct. 21. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Keithan Perez / DVIDS)
China’s foreign ministry confirmed the temporary arrangement and emphasized the joint effort to manage maritime differences and reduce tensions in the area. However, China demanded that the Philippines remove the ship and restore the shoal’s original status, treating it as if it were unmanned and without facilities.
China’s Position and Humanitarian Grounds
In 1999, Manila intentionally beached the Sierra Madre to reinforce its claims on disputed territories around the area. Since then, a small group of Filipino sailors has manned the ship.
China stated that if the Philippines needs to supply the ship’s occupants before removing it, they will allow transportation and replenishment on humanitarian grounds.
However, China remains firm on its territorial claims and warned against any attempt by the Philippines to build permanent structures or outposts on the shoal. They asserted that such actions would be blocked to safeguard China’s sovereignty.
U.S. Involvement and Philippine Independence
On Sunday, Filipino security officials said they would carry out the resupply missions independently despite offers of assistance from the United States.
U.S. Marines, assigned to Company Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, conduct an amphibious exercise with service members of the Philippine Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Lance Cpl. Carl King Jr/. Released / DVIDS)
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had stated that the U.S. would do what is necessary to ensure its allies can proceed with the Sierra Madre resupply mission.
However, Eduardo Ano, Sullivan’s Filipino counterpart, confirmed that the resupply operation remains a purely Philippine effort. He emphasized there was no need for direct U.S. involvement in the resupply missions at this time.
Rising Tensions and Mutual Defense
Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated, sometimes leading to violence. Last month, a Filipino soldier lost a finger in what Manila described as an “intentional high-speed ramming” by the China Coast Guard. The Philippine military’s spokesperson reiterated that the Philippines would exhaust all means before seeking foreign intervention for its resupply missions.
The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between Manila and Washington can be invoked if there is an armed attack against Filipino forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea. U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have affirmed their “ironclad” commitment to support the Philippines if needed.
Territorial Disputes and International Rulings
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea. Even going beyond maritime claims from Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
In 2016, a Hague-based tribunal ruled that China’s claims did not have any legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.
The provisional arrangement for resupply missions indicates a temporary truce in the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China.
As both nations navigate this delicate situation, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
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