South China Sea: doubts surface over Philippines’ deal with Beijing on shoal missions

The two sides reached an apparent agreement, but insiders and analysts suggest tensions could yet flare again despite the talks

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The Philippines’ BRP Sierra Madre seen grounded on the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00am, 25 Jul 2024Updated: 11:06am, 25 Jul 2024

The Philippines and China appear at odds once again over Manila’s resupply missions to a disputed South China Sea outpost, with conflicting statements from both sides casting doubt on the viability of any apparent agreement.

Analysts say Beijing seems to be framing the arrangement in a way that suggests the Philippines has conceded to its demands – a characterisation vehemently denied by Philippine officials.

These divergent comments have only heightened the uncertainty surrounding the latest development in the long-standing maritime dispute.

On Sunday, the Philippine foreign ministry announced that the two countries had “reached an understanding” on a “provisional arrangement” for the resupply and rotation of the Philippine garrison aboard the BRP Sierra Madre – a navy ship deliberately grounded on the contested Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to serve as a military outpost.

However, the terse three-paragraph statement provided few details, save that the arrangement was reached following discussions between the two on July 2 in Manila during their 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China.