Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Tuesday that the provisional understanding between the Philippines and China regarding Ayungin Shoal has been successful over the past two years, enabling more than a dozen incident-free resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA noted that since July 2024, there have been 15 rotation and resupply missions (RORE) carried out without incident, showcasing the effectiveness of the provisional understanding. Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. emphasized the success of the agreement during a briefing.
Questions have been raised about the consistency of the understanding with the 2016 Arbitral Award, leading to a proposal for a Senate inquiry into the deal. This inquiry gained traction after an incident where two Filipino troops were injured following a clash with Chinese coast guard personnel near the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal. China claimed that its actions were a response to alleged construction activities on the vessel, which they argued violated the provisional understanding.
The DFA has consistently maintained that the agreement is a set of principles designed to prevent conflict and does not compromise the Philippines' sovereignty and rights over the West Philippine Sea. Villanueva explained that the understanding is meant to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations at sea, particularly during RORE missions.
Villanueva further clarified that the provisional understanding does not require the Philippines to seek permission from China nor does it allow for the boarding and inspection of Philippine vessels. It also does not prevent the Philippines from exercising its sovereign rights.
Currently, the understanding remains in effect, with no discussions between Manila and Beijing about reviewing its implementation. Villanueva confirmed that, as of this afternoon, no information or messages have been received from China or the Chinese Embassy indicating any intention to review the provisional understanding.
