PH-China accord
THE scenario at the South China Sea (SCS) now has a new twist, with the Philippines and China reaching a provisional arrangement on rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.
Both sides, however, said the provisional arrangement “will not prejudice each other’s positions” in the mineral resources-rich SCS.
A dilapidated Philippine Navy (PN) ship, BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded on the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in 1999.
It is home to a small contingent of Filipino soldiers and serves as an outpost securing the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
And as a well-meaning Filipino, we share the view of Manila and Beijing that there is really a need to de-escalate the situation in the area.
Likewise, various quarters hope the Philippines and China manage their differences through dialogue and consultation.
But Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) authorities have yet to provide details of the PH-China provisional arrangement.
Certainly, we cannot second lines that tend to insinuate that the Philippines is not in a position to continue resupplying its troops on the grounded PN ship.
The arrangement is a welcome development as Manila, Beijing and other well-meaning countries try to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea.
