Philippines, China reach interim deal on disputed sea missions
MANILA and Beijing said they reached a “provisional arrangement” on resupply missions to a Philippine military outpost in the South China Sea that’s been at the center of escalating tensions between the nations.
The Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Department said in a statement on Sunday that it had “reached an understanding” with China on the resupply of its troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in the Second Thomas Shoal, and that “both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation.”
The deal covered “humanitarian resupply of living necessities,” China’s Foreign Ministry said early Monday, adding the two sides “agreed to jointly manage differences on maritime issues and work for de-escalation.”
Neither side provided exact details of the agreement.
The tentative deal adds to signs that both sides are open to defusing tensions that hit a high point last month when a Philippine sailor lost a thumb as sea clashes escalated.
Last week, media reported that the two countries were planning to elevate a sea dispute hotline to the offices of Presidents Xi Jinping and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and their foreign ministers.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era vessel beached on the shoal, has been a flashpoint between the countries in recent months.
Vessels from the two countries have engaged in testy confrontations when the Philippines tried to send supply missions to the Sierra Madre. China frequently used water cannons that damaged Philippine boats and injured Filipino sailors.
The Philippines said the provisional arrangement was agreed to during bilateral talks on the dispute earlier this month. The statement said “the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea.”
Beijing stressed in its statement that it had sovereignty over the shoal, and reiterated that the Philippines should remove the Sierra Madre. BLOOMBERG
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
