MANILA – The Philippines and China have agreed on a provisional arrangement for the rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday (22 July 2024).

In a statement, the DFA confirmed that both nations concurred that the agreement would not affect their respective positions in the South China Sea.

“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.

Both parties have emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and manage differences through dialogue and consultation.

The specifics of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.

This agreement follows a series of consultations with China, including discussions at the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea on July 2. It marks the first formal measure agreed upon by the two countries regarding Ayungin Shoal.

An unidentified Chinese Embassy official previously mentioned a “new model” with Manila, allowing an unhampered resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, limited to one Philippine boat and one escort coast guard vessel.

Before this arrangement, the DFA stated that the Philippines had not entered into any agreements with China regarding the feature. Only President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has the authority to approve or authorize deals related to the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

No US Involvement

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año clarified that the RORE missions will remain purely Philippine operations, though he appreciated US support and the assurance of their ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“We appreciate the US support in all aspects, but there is no need for direct involvement of US forces in RORE missions at this time,” Año said.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya emphasized that the Philippine government would continue consulting the United States as a treaty ally but maintain RORE missions as a purely Philippine operation.

The officials’ statements followed White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s remarks that the US would support the Philippines to ensure the continuation of RORE missions.

“We will do what is necessary with the Philippines to see to it that [resupply missions] happen,” Sullivan said, affirming the US’s commitment to support the Philippines.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla expressed appreciation for Sullivan’s support, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations and the importance of the MDT in protecting Philippine assets in Ayungin Shoal.

“The AFP is committed to the welfare and readiness of our personnel in strategic locations like Ayungin Shoal. We value the support of the US and like-minded countries in fostering a peaceful and secure region based on international law,” she said.

“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.”

(el Amigo/mnm)