Philippines conducts Ayungin Shoal resupply without Chinese inspection

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) and the Philippine National Security Council refuted China's claims that it allowed the Philippines to conduct a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, July 27.

China alleged its coast guard inspected supplies, but both the NTF-WPS and NSC stated there was no inspection and the Philippines did not seek permission for the mission.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard successfully carried out the reprovisioning mission using a civilian vessel ML Lapu-Lapu, escorted by BRP Cape Engaño, without incident.

Chinese maritime forces observed from a distance but did not interfere, marking the first such mission since a provisional agreement was reached earlier this month to de-escalate tensions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) echoed the stance that the understanding with China does not affect the Philippines' national position and called on China to adhere to the agreement.