Philippines Completes First Resupply Mission to Ayungin Shoal Following China Agreement

MANILA — The Philippines has successfully executed its first resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre since finalizing an agreement with China, marking a significant development in the nations’ relations concerning the contested Ayungin Shoal.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation on Saturday involved the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu and was safeguarded by the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cape Engaño. The mission, termed as rotation and reprovisioning (RORE), occurred within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area also claimed by Beijing. The DFA reported the mission as smooth with no untoward incidents, highlighting the effective coordination between the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and multiple national security departments.

The newly established protocol between Manila and Beijing aims to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations at Ayungin Shoal. This follows recent tensions, including a June incident where a Filipino soldier was injured after Chinese Coast Guard personnel boarded a Filipino vessel. The agreement, which was negotiated after the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea on July 2, stipulates that both countries must consent before any public disclosure of the deal’s details.