January 17, 2025
MANILA – The Philippines and China have agreed to uphold the “provisional understanding” allowing Manila’s rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal at the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.
This was disclosed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a statement on Thursday, noting that the Philippine delegation was represented by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro while the Chinese side was led by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.
“The two sides exchanged views on the provisional understanding on the Philippines’ RORE missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, acknowledged its positive outcomes, and agreed to continue its implementation to sustain the de-escalation of tensions without prejudice to respective national positions,” the DFA said.
While the DFA did not elaborate, it still disclosed that the two sides have also “agreed to reinvigorate the platform for coast guard cooperation” between the two nations.
Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo hinted that the “possible cooperation between the coast guards the Philippines and China” is among what would be tackled by the diplomats at the 10th BCM.
The DFA said during the meeting that the Philippines expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, particularly the activities of Chinese Coast Guard vessels 5901 and 3103 in Philippine maritime zones, emphasizing that this is inconsistent with the 1982 UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
“The Philippines will host the next BCM at a later date,” the DFA added.
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