Deal or no deal? China and Philippines at odds over Second Thomas Shoal resupply agreement

Beijing and Manila reached a deal on Sunday night but have disputed key conditions for the missions since then

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The BRP Sierra Madre was grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00am, 23 Jul 2024Updated: 9:28am, 23 Jul 2024

Beijing urged Manila to keep its word on Monday as the two countries disputed key elements of a deal over resupply missions to a South China Sea shoal within hours of it being struck.

“We hope that the Philippine side will honour its commitments, work with the Chinese side and jointly manage the situation at sea,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

The Philippines said late on Sunday that it had reached an agreement with China on resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef controlled by Manila. The statement did not refer to any conditions.

The Philippines grounded the ageing BRP Sierra Madre on the shoal in 1999 and has stationed troops there to assert its claims over the area.

Beijing confirmed early on Monday that a deal had been struck, adding that it was subject to three conditions: that the Sierra Madre be towed away, prior notification and “on-site verification” be given, and no construction materials be included in the supplies.

“If the Philippines were to send large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempt to build fixed facilities or permanent outpost, China will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with the law and regulations to uphold China’s sovereignty, ” the ministry said.

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