Philippines’ Forces Successfully Navigate China-Guarded Disputed Shoal without Confrontation

Philippine government personnel successfully delivered food and supplies to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday. The shoal is occupied by Filipino navy personnel but closely monitored by Chinese forces. This supply mission marks the first trip since the Philippines and China agreed a week ago to prevent clashes in the area, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

The operation was described as a routine resupply mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, showcasing the professionalism and coordination among various government departments and agencies, as per the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department.

Following the agreement between the two countries after diplomatic meetings in Manila, both sides aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal without compromising their territorial claims, officials said. While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Chinese officials did not immediately comment on the recent supply trip.

The Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin to Filipinos and Ren’ai Jiao to the Chinese, has been a site of escalating tensions between the two nations. Recent incidents include Chinese forces using water cannons and blocking tactics to prevent supplies from reaching the Filipino navy outpost on a grounded warship at the shoal.

In a severe confrontation on June 17, Chinese forces reportedly rammed and boarded Philippine navy boats to halt the transfer of supplies, resulting in injuries to Filipino navy personnel and the confiscation of weapons and provisions. The U.S. and its allies condemned these actions and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The disputed waters also involve other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, all engaged in separate territorial disputes. The region is a major trade route with abundant resources, making it a focal point in the broader U.S.-China regional competition. While the U.S. has no territorial claims in the area, it has pledged to support the Philippines, its longstanding ally, in the event of armed hostilities, including in the South China Sea.