Philippines, China reach provisional agreement on Ayungin Shoal resupply

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Philippines and China reached an agreement on provisional arrangements for resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

Both sides agreed during a bilateral consultation mechanism in Manila on July 2 to de-escalate tensions and manage differences through dialogue without disclosing specific details.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the provisional arrangement allows the Philippines to send living necessities with advance notice and on-site verification, but the DFA refuted this claim, stating that China's interpretation is inaccurate.

The agreement aims to ensure safe resupply missions following a June 17 incident where Chinese coast guard vessels attacked Filipino soldiers, causing injuries and looting rifles.

Despite China’s claims, Manila will continue to assert its rights and jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal without prior notification, maintaining that it remains a purely Philippine operation with support from the United States but without direct US involvement.

The Philippines will also push maritime security cooperation with regional neighbors at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos.