Manila announced the deal over supplies to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, saying both sides recognized the need to ease tensions in the South China Sea.
China and the Philippines have reached a deal they hope will end confrontations at a fiercely contested atoll in the South China Sea.
“The Philippines and the People’s Republic of China have reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal,” the Philippine Foreign Ministry said Sunday, using the Filipino name for Second Thomas Shoal.
Increasingly tense maritime confrontations over the shoal have raised concerns about a potential broader conflict that may involve the United States due to as mutual defense pact with the Philippines.
A small number of Filipino soldiers are stationed on a deliberately beached old warship on the shoal.
Chinese Coast Guard and other forces have used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching the military personnel at Manila’s outpost at the shoal.
“Both sides continue to recognize the need to deescalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said.
