Philippines, China agree to continue Ayungin Shoal arrangement

The Philippines and China have agreed to continue implementing an arrangement for the resupply and rotation missions at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, as confirmed during their 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting held on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Signed in July 2024, this provisional agreement aims to avoid conflicts following a violent confrontation on June 17, 2024.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong acknowledged the positive outcomes of the arrangement but noted unresolved challenges, particularly concerning recent incidents involving Chinese Coast Guard vessels near Scarborough Shoal.

Both sides agreed to continue resupply and rotation missions at Ayungin Shoal to sustain de-escalation of tensions without prejudice to respective national positions and reinvigorate ties through coast guard cooperation and marine scientific research despite ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned vessel stationed at Ayungin Shoal since 1999, remains crucial for Philippine sovereignty claims in the region.