PH completes Ayungin resupply amid Chinese monitoring

The Philippines successfully completed a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on July 27.

The mission involved the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Cape Engaño.

Despite the incident-free resupply, multiple Chinese vessels from the China Coast Guard, Navy, and Maritime Militia were observed monitoring the Philippine ships.

A dispute arose between the Philippines and China regarding a provisional agreement for rotation and resupply missions.

The Philippines maintains it did not agree to prior notification or on-board inspections by China, contrary to Beijing's claims.

The existence of this agreement was announced during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, though its specific terms remain undisclosed.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo had previously briefed international counterparts on this arrangement, which was presented in East Asian forums for the first time.

The DFA and National Security Council refuted China's assertions of prior notice and inspection during the July 27 mission.