Philippines seeks to expand deal with China to resolve maritime dispute
Photo: The Philippines is trying to resolve a dispute with China over the Second Thomas Shoal (Getty Images)
The Philippine government is exploring the possibility of expanding a deal with China to ease tensions in the South China Sea following maritime clashes between the two nations in disputed waters, according to Bloomberg.
Alexander Lopez, spokesperson of the National Maritime Council, indicated that the provisional arrangement regarding resupply missions for the Philippine military outpost at Second Thomas Shoal could potentially be extended to cover a bigger area.
Lopez also mentioned that the Philippines is seriously considering filing another diplomatic protest against China in response to a recent confrontation, describing Beijing's actions as unprofessional and dangerous.
"These illegal actions do not contribute to confidence building measures necessary for the improvement of relations," Lopez stated.
About Second Thomas Shoal
Second Thomas Shoal is located in the South China Sea. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that the shoal falls within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. However, Beijing does not recognize this ruling and claims control over the shoal and a broader section of the maritime area.
In 1999, Manila stationed the Sierra Madre ship at Second Thomas Shoal to reinforce its sovereignty claim. A group of military personnel has been residing on the vessel for years.
Manila has repeatedly accused the Chinese Coast Guard of blocking resupply missions for its troops. In late March of this year, Chinese Coast Guard vessels fired water cannons at Philippine ships.
In October 2023, Chinese vessels conducted dangerous maneuvers, resulting in collisions with two Philippine ships.
South China Sea incident
On Monday, August 19, Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard ships clashed once again in the South China Sea, marking a new flashpoint in their prolonged maritime dispute.
Beijing claimed that the Philippine Coast Guard illegally attempted to enter waters around Sabina Shoal. However, Manila asserted that Chinese vessels conducted aggressive maneuvers, which resulted in a breach in one of its ships. The United States, a defense ally of the Philippines, condemned China's dangerous actions.
In July, the Philippines and China reached an agreement aimed at ending the confrontation over the stewardship of Second Thomas Shoal.
