The Department of Foreign Affairs confirms that the bilateral resupply agreement between the Philippines and China has enabled 15 successful and conflict-free deliveries to the BRP Sierra Madre since July 2024, despite recent clashes and Chinese allegations of violations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that the provisional understanding between the Philippines and China regarding rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal has led to 15 successful and incident-free missions over the past two years.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr., the DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs, stated during a Tuesday briefing that the agreement, which was established in July 2024, demonstrates its effectiveness in ensuring the safe delivery of supplies to Filipino troops stationed at the military outpost despite recent tensions. Villanueva's remarks came in response to queries about whether the Philippine government still sees value in the informal accord following a recent clash involving Chinese Coast Guard personnel, which resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers defending the BRP Sierra Madre.
He emphasized that since the implementation of the provisional understanding, the Philippines has maintained its sovereignty and sovereign rights while managing the logistical needs of its troops. The agreement, first announced in 2024 when then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo led the DFA, stipulates that both parties observe principles to avoid misunderstandings and de-escalate conflicts during resupply missions.
China, however, has questioned the Philippines' adherence to the arrangement, with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan alleging in July that Filipino troops were engaging in unauthorized construction activities on the BRP Sierra Madre. Jing claimed that China sent vessels to verify these activities, arguing that they violated the spirit of the provisional agreement.
The DFA, in a subsequent statement, clarified that the Provisional Understanding does not require Philippine authorities to seek China's permission to conduct RORE missions, permit the boarding of Philippine vessels, or in any way compromise the nation's sovereignty. DFA officials reiterated that the agreement is not a grant of permission from a foreign government but a mechanism to manage disputes diplomatically through dialogue.
Villanueva also addressed Ambassador Jing's assertion that China rejects the 2016 Arbitration Award, while expressing the Philippines' commitment to resolving disputes within the framework of negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. The diplomat noted the importance of collaboration among ASEAN member states in the COC discussions, underscoring that the provisional understanding remains a pivotal step toward preventing regional escalation
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