On Saturday, personnel from the Philippine government delivered food and supplies to a highly contested shoal, which is home to a Filipino navy contingent and closely monitored by Chinese forces in the South China Sea. Officials from the Philippines stated that there were no reported confrontations during this operation.
This marks the first supply mission by the Philippine government to the Second Thomas Shoal since a recent agreement between the Philippines and China aimed at reducing clashes in the area. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila released a statement regarding the event.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHINA AND PHILIPPINES TO AVOID SOUTH CHINA SEA CLASHES
“The lawful and routine resupply and rotation mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone highlights the dedication and professionalism of the Philippine navy and coast guard, along with the effective collaboration among the National Security Council, the Department of National Defense, and the Department of Foreign Affairs,” stated the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs without disclosing further details.
In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship uses water canons on a Philippine Coast Guard ship near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, South China Sea as they blocked its path during a re-supply mission on Aug. 5, 2023. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP, File)
A senior security official from the Philippines informed The Associated Press that there was communication between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards for coordination on Saturday, as their ships refrained from issuing challenges via radio, a practice that has been common in the past.
Additionally, for the first time, the Chinese coast guard vessels did not follow or obstruct the Philippine ships, a notable shift from their prior actions, according to the official who requested anonymity to discuss this sensitive matter.
The Chinese coast guard confirmed that the Philippine vessel delivered essential supplies “in line with a temporary agreement reached between China and the Philippines,” as stated by spokesperson Gan Yu.
This agreement was established after a series of discussions between diplomats from both nations. The aim was to find a mutually acceptable solution regarding the shoal, known as Ayungin to Filipinos and Ren’ai Jiao to the Chinese, without compromising either nation’s territorial claims, according to Philippine officials.
Details of the deal remain undisclosed by either party.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his satisfaction that the resupply mission was completed without incident. “We applaud that and hope to see continued cooperation moving forward,” he said while participating in a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Laos.
For years, China’s coast guard and related forces have engaged in aggressive tactics, such as using water cannons and obstructing access, to deny essential supplies to Filipino navy personnel stationed aboard the long-grounded and rusting warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at the outpost.
During a severe confrontation on June 17, Chinese forces reportedly rammed and boarded two Philippine navy boats, preventing the delivery of food and other supplies, including firearms. Subsequently, the Chinese seized and damaged the Philippine vessels, confiscating seven M4 rifles stored in cases and injuring several Filipino personnel, one of whom lost a thumb in the chaos. This incident was documented through video and photographs that were later publicized by Philippine officials.
Both China and the Philippines accused each other for the altercation, each maintaining their claims over the disputed shoal.
Western allies, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, have condemned the actions taken by China at the shoal, advocating for adherence to international laws and the freedom of navigation within the South China Sea, an area critical for global trade and rich in fisheries and natural gas reserves.
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Apart from China and the Philippines, several other nations, namely Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, are engaged in separate but intensifying territorial disputes within this body of water. This region is viewed as a potential flashpoint in the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry. The U.S. military has maintained a presence in the area through Navy and Air Force patrols emphasizing freedom of navigation, which China perceives as a threat to stability in the region.
While Washington does not assert any territorial claims within the contested waters, it has reiterated its obligation to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, should Filipino forces, vessels, or aircraft face armed attack, even within the South China Sea.
