MANILA. In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, China and the Philippines have reached a deal to reduce tensions at the fiercely contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine government announced on Sunday.
The shoal, known as Ayungin to Filipinos and Ren’ai Jiao to the Chinese, has been a flashpoint for hostile encounters between the two nations. The agreement was achieved after a series of high-level meetings in Manila and the exchange of diplomatic notes, designed to address the situation without conceding either side’s territorial claims.
Two Philippine officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press. The government later issued a brief statement highlighting the deal’s focus on de-escalation: “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,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.
Shortly after, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that discussions had led to a “provisional arrangement” for the humanitarian resupply of living necessities to Ren’ai Jiao. However, the text of the agreement has not been made public by either side.
The deal comes amid a backdrop of escalating confrontations. Chinese forces have employed powerful water cannons and aggressive tactics to obstruct the delivery of supplies to Filipino navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a deteriorating warship grounded at the shoal. The territorial standoff reached a peak on June 17, when Chinese forces rammed and boarded two Philippine navy boats, seizing supplies and damaging the vessels. This confrontation, which injured several Filipino personnel, was documented in video and photographs released by the Philippine government.
The U.S. and its allies, including Japan and Australia, have condemned the aggressive actions and called for adherence to international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea—a critical global trade route.
In addition to China and the Philippines, other nations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have competing claims in the South China Sea, heightening regional tensions. The U.S. has emphasized its commitment to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, in the event of an armed attack in these contested waters.
The recent deal represents a potential step toward stability. According to the Philippine officials, key demands from China—such as restrictions on construction materials for fortifying the grounded ship and advance notice for inspections—were removed from the final agreement, signaling a compromise from both sides.
The effectiveness and longevity of this agreement remain to be seen, but it offers a glimmer of hope for managing one of the South China Sea’s most contentious disputes.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
