No Chinese threat in latest resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre – AFP

Metro Manila, Philippines — A rotational and resupply mission to a naval ship serving as an outpost in Ayungin Shoal was completed without any threat or intimidation from China, the military announced on Friday, Sept. 27.

This was the first resupply mission since July 27 that was free of Chinese interference.

The military said it delivered essential supplies to personnel on board the BRP Sierra Madre and facilitated the changing of troops on Sept. 26

Chinese vessels were at a distance during the mission, said armed forces spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla in an interview with NewsWatch Plus.

“Around eight different Chinese vessels were monitored in the vicinity, but they did not pose any threat or interference to the mission and our personnel,” said Padilla.

She said the military will remain vigilant and prepared to respond to challenges in protecting their personnel during resupply missions.

Padilla said the mission was within reasonable timeframe and the schedule depends on the call of ground commanders.

In a statement, China Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun said that under the PH-China temporary arrangement, a Philippine civilian ship delivered daily necessities to its warship in the shoal.

China said it hopes that the Philippines would uphold its commitments and collaborate with China to manage the maritime situation.

“The China Coast Guard will continue its rights protection and law enforcement activities in the Nansha Islands, including [Second Thomas Shoal] and surrounding waters in accordance with the law,” Liu added.

PH, China provisional deal on Ayungin

Manila and Beijing reached a provisional deal in Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal in July called
“Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms.”

It will provide a number of channels for communication from both sides, namely:

+ through representatives designated by their leaders;
+ through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and China Ministry of Foreign Affairs counterparts, including foreign minister and vice foreign minister levels, or their designated representatives; and
+ through coast guard channels, which will be set up once upon conclusion of the corresponding memorandum of agreement.

“The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement,” the agreement stated.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro previously told reporters that the Philippine government is not closing its doors to China in managing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“It’s a work in progress,” said Lazaro in an interview with reporters last July.