The Department of Foreign Affairs defended its deal with China on resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal on Wednesday, March 4. The DFA stated that the Philippines does not need to seek permission for these missions and that Chinese boarding of Philippine vessels is not allowed. This deal has governed 13 routine rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre since July 2024.
On Wednesday, March 4, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) defended its unpublicized deal with China regarding resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. The DFA emphasized that this agreement does not require the Philippines to obtain permission from China for its missions and does not concede any rights in the area.
The deal was crafted by then-Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, now the DFA secretary, and approved by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. It has governed 13 routine rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre since July 2024.
"The deal does not require the Philippines to seek permission for missions and does not allow Chinese boarding of Philippine vessels," the DFA stated. Ayungin Shoal is part of the ongoing South China Sea territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, where tensions persist over sovereignty claims.
