The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has reiterated that China’s approval is not necessary for the Philippines to conduct resupply and rotation missions to Ayungin Shoal.
This clarification follows the establishment of a provisional arrangement with Beijing in July 2024, aimed at reducing tensions surrounding Ayungin, also known as Second Thomas Shoal.
Sovereignty and Maritime Operations
The Provisional Understanding is a set of principles and approaches observed by both sides in order to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation in the conduct of the Philippines’ routine rotation and resupply missions for daily necessities to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines
The DFA emphasized that this understanding does not grant any foreign jurisdiction over Philippine waters. It stated, "The arrangement is not a grant of or a request for permission to any foreign government."
The department's statement clarified that Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and reinforced by the 2016 arbitral ruling.
The DFA noted that Ayungin, as a low-tide elevation, does not generate maritime entitlement and cannot be claimed by any other state.
Given the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, this declaration serves as a reminder of the Philippines' commitment to asserting its rights and sovereignty. The DFA confirmed that resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre would proceed as part of regular government operations.