In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, China and the Philippines have reached a “provisional arrangement” to avoid clashes over resupply missions to the beached Philippine naval ship, Sierra Madre, in the South China Sea. This understanding, announced by Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), follows frank and constructive discussions at the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held earlier this month.
The DFA emphasized that both nations recognize the need to de-escalate tensions and manage their differences through dialogue. “Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the DFA stated.
Although the specifics of the arrangement were not disclosed, this development marks a critical step toward maintaining peace in the disputed waters. The Sierra Madre, deliberately beached by the Philippines in 1999 to reinforce its territorial claims, continues to host a small contingent of Filipino sailors.
Despite an offer of assistance from the United States, Philippine security officials confirmed that the resupply missions would remain solely a Philippine operation. Eduardo Año, the Philippines’ National Security Adviser, stated, “There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of U.S. forces in the resupply mission.”
Tensions in the South China Sea have flared in recent years, with incidents such as the high-speed ramming by the China Coast Guard resulting in injuries to Filipino soldiers. However, the Philippine military spokesperson reiterated that the country would exhaust all means before seeking foreign intervention.
The Philippines and the U.S. are bound by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, ensuring U.S. support in case of an armed attack against Philippine forces in the South China Sea. U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have reaffirmed their commitment to this treaty.
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