MANILA: The Philippines and China have agreed on an “arrangement” for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on a South China Sea reef, Manila said on Sunday, after a series of escalating confrontations in the disputed waters.

A remote outpost on Second Thomas Shoal has been a focus of clashes between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to almost the entire South China Sea.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the latest June 17 confrontation when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops.

Sunday’s announcement follows talks between the Philippines and China this month when they agreed to increase the number of communication channels to resolve maritime disagreements between them.

“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 Philippine foreign ministry, using the Filipino name for Second Thomas Shoal.

The foreign ministry did not provide details of the arrangement, but said both sides recognised the need to “de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation”.

A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the rusty BRP Sierra Madre warship that was deliberately grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila’s claims to the area. They require frequent resupplies for food, water and other necessities as well as transport for personnel rotations.

Earlier on Sunday, Manila said the resupply missions would remain a Philippine operation after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2024