Manila is expecting Beijing to adhere to the provisions of what they call “provisional understanding” on the conduct of Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions to Ayungin Shoal in West Philippines Sea (WPS), National Task Force WPS said on Sunday.
National Security Council Assistant Director General and National Task Force WPS Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya however clarified that the Philippine did not and will never seek permission from China to conduct said mission.
“We fully expect China to adhere to the provisions of the ‘provisional understanding.’ Both sides should deal with differences in a constructive manner and never through coercion and intimidation. To clarify, the Philippines did not and will never seek permission from the PRC to conduct resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal,” Malaya said in detail.
Last week, the Philippines agreed to a “provisional understanding” with China over the resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal for the simple reason of de-escalating tensions and preventing misunderstanding and miscalculations at sea, but Malaya said that the understanding explicitly does not prejudice the national position of the Philippines.
“The guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is clear: The Philippines is committed to the cause of peace but we will not be deterred nor will we yield. We are, nonetheless, committed to address and manage difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he explained.
On Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the support of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully carried out a RORE mission to the BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
The AFP used the civilian vessel ML Lapu- Lapu which was escorted by the PCG vessel BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411).
During the operation, Malaya said that various Chinese maritime forces were observed in the vicinity, including four (4) Chinese Coast Guard vessels, three (3) People’s Liberation Army- Navy vessels, and two (2) Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.
“During the entire duration of the mission, the Chinese vessels maintained their distance and did not undertake any action to disrupt the RORE,” he said.
The successful execution of the RORE mission allowed the AFP to deliver essential supplies and provisions to the stationed personnel on the BRP Sierra Madre, while also rotating them with newly deployed troops.
Malaya also said that there was also no boarding and inspection by the Chinese Coast Guard as claimed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in its statement.
Notwithstanding the “provisional understanding” with China, the task force said that the position of the Philippines is steadfast, unwavering, and has not changed.
“Ayungin Shoal is a low tide elevation not subject to sovereignty claims by the PRC as ruled by the Arbitral Tribunal in its 2016 Award. It falls within the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, therefore our continued presence and activities at the said shoal is lawful and legitimate as it is in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” Malaya reiterated.
