The Philippines successfully resumed its resupply mission to its navy contingent at Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, encountering no untoward incidents, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This operation marks the first mission under a new provisional arrangement with China aimed at preventing misunderstandings and miscalculations in the contested area.
The DFA statement highlighted that this Rotation and Reprovisioning (RORE) mission utilized the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cape Engaño.
Key Points:
- Successful Mission: No incidents were reported during the mission.
- New Arrangement: This mission was the first under the new understanding between the Philippines and China, focusing on principles and approaches for conducting RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal.
- Coordination and Professionalism: The DFA praised the professionalism of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard and the coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense, and DFA.
Diplomatic Engagements:
- Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos. Both reaffirmed their commitment to the arrangement without prejudice to their respective territorial positions in the South China Sea, also known as the West Philippine Sea in the Philippines.
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended the successful mission and the agreement reached between the two countries, expressing hope for its continuation.
Chinese Response:
- China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu expressed hope that the Philippines would honor its commitments and work with China to manage the maritime situation.
Background: China claims almost the entire South China Sea, which conflicts with the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision China has refused to recognize.