PH, China agree to indefinite resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal

The Philippines and China have agreed to indefinitely implement an arrangement for resupply and rotation missions to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

This provisional agreement, signed in July 2024, aims to prevent altercations and reduce tensions following a violent confrontation on June 17, 2024.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned World War II-era vessel, has been intentionally grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999.

Both nations acknowledged the positive outcomes of the arrangement and committed to its continued implementation to sustain de-escalation, without compromising their respective national positions.

This agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting in Xiamen between senior Philippine and Chinese diplomats, which was the 10th meeting under the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.

The meeting occurred amidst heightened tensions, highlighted by the sighting of a large Chinese Coast Guard vessel near Scarborough Shoal and close to Zambales.