A senior official in the Philippines stated on Tuesday (August 13) that Manila may reconsider the “provisional agreement” reached with Beijing in light of the recent conflict over the South China Sea. This agreement involves the disputed Second Thomas Shoal (known as Renai Reef by China). In 1999, the Philippines ran aground an old WWII-era tank landing ship named BRP Sierra Madre there and stationed troops on the ship to strengthen its sovereignty claim over the shoal and its surrounding waters.
The Chinese government, which also claims sovereignty over the area, has repeatedly demanded that the Philippines remove the ship. When refused, China has sent coast guard and militia vessels to obstruct Philippine government vessels from supplying the troops stationed on the grounded ship, leading to confrontations and clashes. In one of the most serious incidents in June this year, a Filipino sailor’s finger was broken when a Chinese vessel rammed their boat.
After multiple clashes near Renai Reef in July, the two countries reached a “provisional agreement”. However, the details of the understanding were not disclosed in the Philippine Foreign Ministry’s statement at the time, only mentioning that the two countries engaged in “frank and constructive discussions” through bilateral negotiations earlier in July.
On July 27, the Philippines successfully completed a resupply mission unimpeded, which was praised by the United States. Nevertheless, last Thursday (August 8), two Chinese aircraft released flares above a Philippine military aircraft’s flight path at Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island by China), escalating tensions in the region once again.
The Philippine military condemned China’s military aircraft for engaging in a “dangerous provocation” by firing flares at a Philippine patrol plane over Huangyan Island. Theresa Lazaro, the Philippine Deputy Foreign Minister, indicated that the understanding reached with China applies only to Renai Reef and does not undermine the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea issue, mentioning the possibility of reassessment if necessary.
Lazaro told Reuters reporters during a congressional hearing break, “An evaluation review will be conducted, with the specific timing subject to further discussion.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement on Tuesday, stating that the Chinese military “has taken necessary measures” and accusing the Philippines of “infringing on China’s sovereignty”.
Last month, the Philippine National Security Adviser stated that both countries agreed not to disclose the details of the agreement without the consent of either party. The conditions of the agreed agreement are currently unclear, and both sides have different accounts of the July 27 resupply operation. The Philippines accused China of “incorrectly describing” the resupply operation, stating that it was conducted under Chinese supervision.
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo informed lawmakers that the Philippines would abide by the interim understanding and hoped that China would do the same. The aircraft incident above Huangyan Island on Thursday highlights the vulnerability of the two countries’ diplomacy, as the Philippines, a US ally, refuses to yield to China’s expansionist claims in the South China Sea.
Huangyan Island lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, but China insists that it is part of Chinese territory. The surrounding waters are not only crucial fishing grounds but also a shelter for fishing boats during storms.
The sovereignty of this reef remains undecided, with China occupying the area for over a decade, stationing numerous coast guard and fishing vessels, most of which the Philippines claim carry militia personnel.
The Philippine Navy accused the Chinese Air Force of engaging in “coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” actions. This is Manila’s latest condemnation of the Chinese Air Force. China maintains that its aircraft’s actions were legal and professional.
According to reports by Reuters, a video published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer shows a jet aircraft flying alongside a Philippine plane and releasing flares.
Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that this was the first time Chinese aircraft engaged in such a maneuver near Philippine aircraft and emphasized that such actions hold no ground in the international arena, governed by international law.
(Information referenced from Reuters)