Philippines Asserts Rights Amid 'Provisional Arrangement' with China Over South China Sea Shoal

The Philippines will uphold its rights in the South China Sea following a provisional pact with China on resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal. Both nations aim to de-escalate tensions, but differ on prior notification of such missions. China reiterates its claim and urges the removal of a grounded Philippine ship.

The Philippines will continue to assert its rights in the South China Sea after reaching a provisional arrangement with China concerning its resupply missions to the contested Second Thomas Shoal, the foreign ministry stated on Monday.

Although specific details of the arrangement were not disclosed by either the Chinese foreign ministry or the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Manila emphasized that it will not compromise its national position. 'In our desire to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences peacefully, we stress that the agreement was made in good faith and the Philippines is prepared to implement it,' the DFA noted.

'We urge China to do the same.' The Chinese foreign ministry acknowledged the temporary arrangement, underscoring the mutual goal of managing maritime differences and reducing tensions.

China lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines has maintained a grounded naval ship, the Sierra Madre, since 1999 to fortify its maritime claims. Manila frequently conducts supply missions to personnel stationed at the shoal, a point of contention with Beijing.

The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its call for the Philippines to remove the grounded warship and stated opposition to Manila transporting large quantities of building materials to the shoal. 'Should the Philippines need to send living necessities to personnel on the warship before its removal, China will permit it on humanitarian grounds, provided Manila informs China ahead of time and on-site verification is conducted,' it asserted.

The Philippines has previously opposed notifying China in advance of its resupply missions, asserting their lawfulness. This stance remains unchanged despite the new arrangement, according to a statement from the DFA. 'The principles and approaches outlined in the agreement were reached through careful consultations without compromising national positions,' the DFA clarified.

'Therefore, the spokesperson's statement regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is incorrect,' it added. China continues to reject a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated Beijing's extensive claims under international law. The case was initiated by the Philippines.

(With inputs from agencies.)