Philippines Makes Supply Run to Disputed Shoal Amid China Deal

Philippine government personnel safely delivered food and other supplies to a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday, marking the first such mission since a recent deal between the Philippines and China to prevent clashes. Chinese forces guarding the shoal, known as the Second Thomas Shoal, did not confront the Philippine vessels, marking a significant change in behavior following past incidents of intimidation.

Philippine government personnel successfully transported food and other supplies to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday, marking the first such mission since a deal was reached with China to prevent clashes. The operation proceeded without confrontations, signaling a shift in dynamics between the two countries.

Philippines Makes Supply Run to Disputed Shoal Amid China Deal

The routine resupply mission was carried out within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, according to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. The operation was coordinated between the Philippine navy, coast guard, and relevant government agencies.

In a significant departure from past incidents, Chinese coast guard ships did not shadow or block the Philippine vessels, as they had done in the past. The Chinese and Philippine coast guards communicated for coordination, avoiding previous two-way radio challenges demanding immediate departure.

Philippines Makes Supply Run to Disputed Shoal Amid China Deal

China's coast guard acknowledged the peaceful delivery of supplies, stating that it supervised and managed the process. The deal between the Philippines and China was reached after diplomatic meetings and exchanges to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal, without conceding either side's territorial claims.

The United States welcomed the news of the successful resupply mission, expressing hope that such cooperation would continue. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the Philippines and China for completing the mission without confrontation.

China and the Philippines have been involved in a series of confrontations at the shoal, with Chinese forces using water cannons and blocking maneuvers to prevent Philippine vessels from reaching their outpost. In June, a violent faceoff resulted in injuries to Filipino personnel and the seizure of Philippine boats and supplies.

The deal between the two countries aims to reduce tensions and prevent further clashes. However, territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to be a source of concern, with other countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also claiming parts of the waterway.

The United States has asserted its obligation to defend the Philippines under its treaty alliance, warning against any armed attacks on Philippine forces in the South China Sea. The US military has conducted freedom of navigation and overflight patrols in the disputed waters to uphold international law and freedom of navigation.

The peaceful resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal is seen as a positive development in reducing tensions between the Philippines and China. However, the underlying territorial disputes remain unresolved, and the long-term stability of the South China Sea continues to be a major concern for regional and global security.