MANILA. The Philippines announced on Tuesday that an agreement with China regarding resupply missions to troops stationed at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea may be subject to future review. This development follows recent tensions and confrontations between the two nations over maritime disputes.
In July, the two countries reached a “provisional agreement” aimed at preventing conflicts during resupply operations near the Second Thomas Shoal. This arrangement came after repeated Chinese interventions that had obstructed Philippine efforts to resupply troops aboard a navy ship intentionally grounded there 25 years ago. The Philippines successfully completed a resupply mission on July 27 under this agreement, which was commended by the United States.
However, tensions resurfaced following an incident on Thursday, when two Chinese aircraft reportedly released flares in the path of a Philippine military plane over the Scarborough Shoal. This incident has heightened regional concerns about the potential for further escalation.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro confirmed that the agreement with China, which pertains specifically to the Second Thomas Shoal, does not undermine the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea and could be reviewed if necessary. “The review will be there. When that will be is subject to further discussion,” Lazaro told Reuters at a congressional hearing.
The Chinese foreign ministry responded by stating that their military “took necessary measures” and accused the Philippines of “infringing on China’s sovereignty.” The specific terms of the July 27 arrangement remain undisclosed, as both nations have agreed not to reveal details without mutual consent. The Philippine national security adviser noted last month that the exact conditions agreed upon were not clear, with differing accounts from both sides regarding the operation.
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo emphasized that the country intends to honor the provisional agreement and expects China to do the same.
The Scarborough Shoal, a key fishing area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, remains one of the most contested sites in Asia. China has maintained a significant presence there with coast guard and fishing boats, which the Philippines contends are largely operated by militia.
The Philippine Navy criticized China’s air force for “coercive, aggressive and deceptive” actions, highlighting the ongoing strain in diplomatic relations. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad condemned the maneuvers as contrary to international law, noting that it was the first time Chinese aircraft had conducted such actions near a Philippine plane.
A video reportedly showing one of the Chinese jets flying alongside the Philippine aircraft before releasing flares was published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, though Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
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.
