The Chinese Embassy in Manila has recently called on the Philippine government to refrain from taking any actions that may further complicate the maritime situation. This statement comes in response to the completion of a mission to resupply Philippine troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) without interference from Chinese ships for the first time, as reported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Addressing the government’s claim that no notification was sent to China before the resupply mission, the Chinese Embassy clarified that the Philippines was not obligated to inform Beijing as it was within its rights. However, the Embassy reiterated China’s stance that Ayungin Shoal, known as Ren’ai Jiao in China, has always been its territory, and their position on the issue remains unchanged. Nevertheless, both China and the Philippines are maintaining communication to manage and control the situation in the disputed territory.
Ayungin Shoal, also known as Ren’ai Jiao, is a submerged reef located in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, approximately 105 nautical miles west of Palawan, Philippines. It is claimed by several nations and is currently occupied by Philippine Navy personnel aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which was grounded on the reef in 1999 and has been periodically replenished since then.
According to the AFP, the resupply mission for the troops at Ayungin Shoal was conducted flawlessly. Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, the AFP spokesman, attributed the success of the operation to teamwork, precision, and dedication.
During the mission, maritime expert Ray Powell observed the presence of CCG 5205 and at least 17 militia vessels. However, satellite images presented by Powell indicated that the mission encountered minimal resistance from China. Powell also noted that Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, which appeared to have escorted the AFP-chartered supply boats in previous runs, were met by China Coast Guard 5205 at Sabina Shoal, located approximately 67 kilometers away from Ayungin Shoal.
China Coast Guard 5205 gained attention earlier for allegedly pointing military-grade lasers toward Philippine Coast Guard personnel in February 2023. Powell also mentioned the presence of China Coast Guard 5203, which went into “dark mode” by turning off its automatic identification system, along with at least 17 Chinese maritime militia vessels, most of which were waiting at Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, approximately 38 kilometers from Ayungin Shoal.
In efforts to address their overlapping maritime disputes in the South China Sea, the Philippines and China recently convened the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai. This meeting was a result of an agreement reached between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November 2023 to ease and manage tensions in the region. Both sides have expressed a commitment to improve communication mechanisms and deal with any incidents calmly.
The discussions between Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong were described as frank and productive, with an aim to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea. It was agreed upon that incidents, if any, would be handled calmly and transparently.
In conclusion, the Chinese Embassy’s call for the Philippines to avoid actions that may complicate the maritime situation highlights the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. With both countries maintaining communication and engaging in bilateral consultations, there is hope for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
