Philippines, China reach deal on Ayungin missions

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China have agreed on an “arrangement” for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“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 DFA said yesterday.

This was achieved after a series of consultations following the frank and constructive discussions between the two sides during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on July 2, the DFA noted.

“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 said.

The Philippines and China also signed an agreement elevating the officials who may use an emergency hotline concerning incidents in the South China Sea to the highest level, involving presidential offices and foreign ministries of the two countries.

The DFA said the “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms,” signed during crucial talks held in Manila on July 2 following
 a violent confrontation at the Ayungin Shoal, would provide various “channels for communication” between the two nations, specifically on maritime issues.

The hotline talks could also be done through the DFA and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including foreign minister and vice foreign minister levels, or their designated representatives.Coast guard channels will be established following a corresponding memorandum of understanding between the two sides.The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement.

‘Purely Philippine operation’

Resupply missions to troops on Sierra Madre will remain a “purely Philippine operation,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said yesterday after the US vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them.

“RORE (rotation and resupply mission) will remain to be a pure Philippine operation. But we appreciate the US support in all aspects being our main ally and its assurance of ironclad commitment to the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty),” Año said in a statement.

“There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of US forces in RORE missions,” he added.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan earlier said the US “will do what is necessary” to ensure the Philippines can continue to resupply its troops on the atoll.

“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.

Sullivan said the US made clear to China that its MDT with the Philippines applies to the Sierra Madre.

National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya also said RORE missions will remain a “purely Philippine operation utilizing Philippine ships, personnel and leadership.”

“That may change depending on the guidance from top management but that’s the direction or policy at present. But we appreciate the US offer of help in the resupply missions and we will continue to consult them as treaty allies in moving forward,” he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) appreciates the strong commitment of the US regarding resupply missions to Filipino troops on Sierra Madre, underscoring the enduring partnership between the two nations.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the AFP is committed to the welfare and readiness of troops in strategic locations like Ayungin Shoal and the country will “exhaust all means before seeking foreign intervention in fulfilling our mandate.”

The AFP welcomed the reaffirmation of the MDT, which ensures the Philippines’ assets in Ayungin Shoal are protected.

“The AFP values the support of the US and like-minded countries in fostering a peaceful and secure region based on international law. We remain committed to peaceful resolutions and will continue working with the US and other partners to uphold regional stability and our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Padilla said.

While the US welcomed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Washington doubted Beijing’s commitment, saying that China’s “actions speak louder than words,” especially in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Ayungin Shoal has been a focus of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the South China Sea.

On June 17, a Filipino sailor lost a thumb when China Coast Guard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply troops.

Filipino soldiers stationed in Ayungin Shoal live on the crumbling Sierra Madre, which the Philippines grounded in 1999 to assert its sovereignty claim. They require frequent resupplies for food, water and other necessities as well as transport for personnel rotations.

China’s coast guard and maritime militia patrol the waters around the shoal and several reefs have been turned into artificial militarized islands.

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, and a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims.

Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan.

The Philippines has a mutual defense pact with the US, which requires both parties to come to the other’s defense in case of an “armed attack” against vessels, aircraft, military and coast guard anywhere in the Pacific, which Washington says includes the South China Sea.