zIn a firm assertion of the Philippines’ territorial rights, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared that the country would not yield or waver in its stance on the West Philippine Sea. During his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2024, Marcos emphasized the importance of maintaining the nation’s sovereignty and expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the fishing communities.
“The West Philippine Sea is not a mere figment of our imagination. It is ours. And it will remain ours as long as the spirit of our beloved Philippines burns bright,” he asserted, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
The President highlighted the increased strategic efforts to enhance aerial and maritime domain awareness, reaffirming the government’s relentless endeavor to increase the country’s defensive stance through self-reliance and partnerships with like-minded nations. “Laws governing our Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sea Lanes will ensure that this intergenerational mandate — this duty — takes deep root in the hearts and minds of all our people,” he stated.
A significant development followed the President’s address, as the Philippines and China announced a provisional deal to manage tensions at the contested Second Thomas Shoal. This deal, reached after a series of diplomatic discussions, aims to prevent further clashes in the disputed South China Sea.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresita Daza announced that the agreement signifies both nations’ commitment to de-escalate tensions and manage differences peacefully. “In our desire to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea to manage differences in a peaceful manner, we emphasize that the agreement was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it,” Daza stated.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the arrangement, reiterating its demand for the Philippines to tow away the grounded warship, Sierra Madre, from the Second Thomas Shoal. However, China expressed willingness to allow humanitarian resupply missions to the personnel stationed on the ship if informed in advance.
Despite this, the Philippines maintained its stance against prior notification to China about resupply missions, asserting the missions’ lawfulness and the necessity of preserving national sovereignty. “The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides,” Daza emphasized.
The deal comes after a series of violent confrontations between Filipino and Chinese forces at the shoal, which both nations claim. The Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines and Ren’ai Jiao in China, has been a focal point of these clashes, sparking fears of a broader conflict involving the United States due to its mutual defense treaty with Manila.
The most severe confrontation occurred on June 17, when Chinese forces repeatedly rammed and boarded Philippine navy boats to prevent supplies from reaching the Sierra Madre. This incident resulted in injuries to Filipino personnel and heightened tensions between the two countries.
The United States and its allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned China’s aggressive actions and called for upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a crucial global trade route with rich fishing areas and undersea gas deposits.
In response to the tensions, Washington reaffirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated, “The US will do what is necessary to ensure its treaty ally can resupply the Sierra Madre on the Second Thomas Shoal.”
Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed that the resupply missions would remain a “pure Philippine operation,” turning down offers of direct US involvement. “There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of US forces in RORE – resupply mission,” Año said.
The provisional agreement reached by the Philippines and China seeks to manage their maritime differences while preventing future clashes. Both nations recognize the need to de-escalate the situation and manage their differences through dialogue and consultation.
This rare deal with the Philippines could spark hope for similar arrangements between China and other claimant countries in the South China Sea, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. However, the successful implementation and longevity of the agreement remain to be seen.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the temporary arrangement for the delivery of humanitarian supplies reflects China’s goodwill. However, China stood firm on its territorial claims and demanded that the Philippines refrain from fortifying the Sierra Madre with building materials.
The Philippines has consistently rejected such conditions, and the final deal does not include them. Philippine officials stated that the agreement was reached after careful negotiations, excluding prior notification and inspection demands from China.
The Second Thomas Shoal, located about 200km from the western Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000km from China’s Hainan island, has been a site of repeated confrontations. Both countries assert their sovereign rights over the shoal, which is strategically important and resource-rich.
Manila deliberately grounded the Sierra Madre on the shoal in 1999 to reinforce its claims, maintaining a small contingent of sailors aboard the vessel who require resupply missions that China has repeatedly attempted to block.
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila reiterated that the agreement would not prejudice each side’s national positions in the South China Sea. “Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation and manage differences through dialogue and consultation,” the DFA stated.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrangement, highlighting the mutual understanding to manage the situation at Ren’ai Jiao and ensure humanitarian resupply of necessities to the personnel on the Sierra Madre.
The agreement between the Philippines and China marks a significant step towards managing maritime disputes in the South China Sea. It reflects both nations’ willingness to engage in dialogue and find peaceful solutions to their differences, despite the complex and contentious nature of their territorial claims.
As the Philippines and China implement this provisional arrangement, the international community will closely watch how both nations navigate this delicate situation. The success of this deal could serve as a model for resolving other maritime disputes in the region, contributing to regional stability and cooperation.
