The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) denounced China’s statement, requiring the Philippines to give “prior notification and on-site confirmation” for the rotation and resupply (RORE) of BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal as part of their provisional arrangement.
“The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions,” the DFA said in a statement on Monday, July 22.
“The spokesperson’s statement, therefore, regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate,” it emphasized.
Earlier, China made a statement about the arrangement with Philippines and highlighted its “three principled positions,” including its assertion of sovereign rights in Ayungin and the South China Sea as a whole; its willingness to allow resupply missions only with the condition that it will oversee the entire process; no construction materials to be distributed; and its commitment to “resolutely stop” any actions not in accordance with its laws.”
It also demanded the Philippines to remove BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
Although the DFA has not specified the specific arrangements that were concluded as of writing, it stressed that China’s remarks were inaccurate and that the agreement concluded a “clear understanding by both sides that it will not prejudice our respective national positions.”
“For the Philippines, this means that we will continue to assert our rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones as entitled under UNCLOS, including in Ayungin Shoal which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf,” the DFA assured.
The DFA reaffirmed its commitment to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and “manage differences in a peaceful manner.” It assured that the agreement was done in good faith and that the Philippines is committed to implement it.
“Nonetheless, in our desire to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and to manage differences in a peaceful manner, we emphasize that the agreement was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it. We urge China to do the same,” the DFA said.
