Philippines conducts first incident-free resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal

The Philippines successfully conducted its first resupply mission for troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, July 27, without any incidents.

This mission followed a provisional agreement reached between the Philippines and China to avoid misunderstandings over future rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions in the disputed area.

The civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Cape Engaño, carried out the resupply operation within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed that Chinese coast guard vessels were present at a reasonable distance during the mission.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to this provisional arrangement and emphasized that it does not affect their territorial claims in the South China Sea, also known as the West Philippine Sea by Manila.

The incident-free resupply mission caps monthlong efforts by the Philippines to de-escalate tensions in the area following aggressive actions during a previous mission on June 17.