Philippine Military Successfully Navigates Hotly Disputed Shoal Without Incident, Marking First Time Since Agreement with China

Government officials from the Philippines delivered food and supplies to a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday without any reported confrontations with Beijing’s forces guarding the area, according to Philippine officials.

This mission marked the first supply trip by the Philippine government to the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been a site of tensions between Chinese and Philippine forces. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila stated that this trip occurred following a recent agreement between the two countries to prevent clashes.

The Philippine Foreign Affairs Department commended the effort as a testament to the professionalism of the navy and coast guard, highlighting the coordination among various government departments involved in the mission.

A Philippine security official mentioned that there was communication between Chinese and Philippine coast guards for coordination during the delivery, and there were no radio challenges demanding ships to leave the area immediately as seen in previous encounters.

For the first time, Chinese coast guard ships did not obstruct the Philippine vessels, a departure from past behavior where they would shadow or block them, according to the official who spoke anonymously.

The China Coast Guard confirmed the delivery and supervised the process, as per spokesperson Gan Yu.

The agreement between the Philippines and China aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal without compromising territorial claims. This deal has not been publicly disclosed by either party.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the completion of the resupply mission without any confrontation, expressing hope for continued peaceful interactions.

Previous confrontations involved Chinese forces using water cannons and blocking maneuvers to prevent supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel stationed at the shoal’s outpost.

The violent incidents led to injuries among Filipino navy personnel and raised tensions between the two countries over territorial claims in the region.

The U.S. and its allies condemned the actions at the shoal, advocating for adherence to international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The region remains a point of contention among multiple countries, with territorial disputes escalating amid the broader U.S.-China regional rivalry.