27-7-2024 (MANILA) In a marked departure from recent tensions, the Philippines has successfully carried out a rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal without any untoward incidents, according to a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday.
The mission, executed by the chartered vessel MV Lapu-Lapu with an escort from the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape Engaño, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea.
This operation marks the first RORE mission conducted under the framework of a recently reached understanding between Manila and Beijing. The agreement outlines principles and approaches for carrying out such missions in Ayungin Shoal, aiming to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations while preserving each nation’s official stance on the territorial dispute.
The DFA highlighted the mission’s importance, stating, “The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs.”
This successful operation stands in stark contrast to previous resupply attempts, which were often met with aggressive tactics from Chinese vessels. Past incidents included dangerous manoeuvres and the use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard and ships from China’s maritime militia. A particularly alarming confrontation on 17 June resulted in a Filipino sailor losing a finger after their boat was rammed and subsequently boarded by Chinese personnel.
The peaceful completion of this mission follows recent diplomatic efforts between the two nations to reduce tensions in the contested waters. Both Manila and Beijing have confirmed reaching a “temporary” agreement on resupply trips to the BRP Sierra Madre, a decommissioned naval vessel intentionally grounded on Ayungin Shoal to assert the Philippines’ territorial claim.
Maritime law expert Professor Maria Santos commented on the development, saying, “While this successful mission is a positive step, it’s crucial to remember that it doesn’t resolve the underlying territorial dispute. It does, however, demonstrate that diplomatic channels can lead to practical solutions that reduce the risk of conflict.”
The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era vessel, has been at the centre of tensions between the Philippines and China since it was deliberately run aground on Ayungin Shoal in 1999. The shoal, known in China as Ren’ai Jiao, lies within the Philippines’ claimed EEZ but is also contested by China as part of its expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea.
