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)

MANILA – The Philippines and China have reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalating tensions in the South China Sea during their first formal dialogue since the confrontation near Ayungin Shoal on June 17.

This resolution was made during the 9th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM), which took place in Manila on July 2.

Led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro for the Philippines and Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong for China, the delegations engaged in what was described as “frank and constructive” discussions.

Undersecretary Lazaro emphasized the Philippines’ firm stance on protecting its interests and maintaining sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines will be relentless in safeguarding its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Lazaro said.

Both parties acknowledged recent incidents and agreed on the necessity to restore trust and rebuild confidence.

“Recognizing the need to restore trust, rebuild confidence, and create conducive conditions for productive dialogue, the two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and committed to de-escalating tensions without prejudice to their respective stances,” the DFA stated.

Significant progress was reported in developing measures to manage the situation at sea, although notable differences remain. The DFA has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the measures proposed by the Philippines or the nature of the progress achieved.

Despite these differences, both nations expressed their willingness to continue discussions to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the issues at hand.

Enhancing Communication Mechanisms

A significant outcome of the dialogue was the signing of the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms. This agreement aims to enhance communication channels and operationalize mechanisms for maritime cooperation.

Additionally, both sides agreed to resume discussions on maritime cooperation between their coast guard authorities, including the possible reactivation of the Joint Coast Guard Committee. There was also talk of organizing an academic forum for scientists and scholars to foster marine scientific and technological cooperation.

The DFA underscored that “continued dialogue based on mutual respect as equal sovereign states facilitates peace and stability at sea.” It was also announced that the 10th BCM meeting will be held in China to maintain the positive momentum in ongoing discussions.

(el Amigo/mnm)