PhilStarGlobal-July 22
The Philippines and China have agreed on an “arrangement” for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “The Philippines and the People’s Republic of China have reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA said yesterday. This was achieved after a series of consultations following the frank and constructive discussions between the two sides during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on July 2, the DFA noted. The Philippines and China also signed an agreement elevating the officials who may use an emergency hotline concerning incidents in the South China Sea to the highest level, involving presidential offices and foreign ministries of the two countries. The DFA said the “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms,” signed during crucial talks held in Manila on July 2 following a violent confrontation at the Ayungin Shoal, would provide various “channels for communication” between the two nations, specifically on maritime issues. Coast guard channels will be established following a corresponding memorandum of understanding between the two sides. Resupply missions to troops on Sierra Madre will remain a “purely Philippine operation,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said yesterday after the US vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them. Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan. Read more at: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/07/22/2371928/philippines-china-reach-deal-ayungin-missions
