China confirms deal with PH on resupply missions

CHINA’S Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Beijing has reached a provisional agreement with Manila on “humanitarian resupply” to Filipino troops manning the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal (Chinese name Ren’ai Jiao).

In a statement released late Sunday night, China’s MOFA said the two countries “reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of living necessities.”

“The two sides agreed to jointly manage maritime differences and work for de-escalation in the South China Sea,” it added.

Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs earlier issued a statement saying the Philippines has reached an understanding with Beijing on the provisional arrangement regarding rotation and resupply missions to Ayungin. But the DFA has yet to provide details on the agreement.

Beijing said its negotiations with Manila were anchored on its stand that the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre violates its sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

It also stated that the Philippines should “inform China in advance” of its rotation and resupply missions “and after on-site verification is conducted,” adding that “China will monitor the entire resupply process.”

The MOFA also said China “will absolutely not accept and will resolutely stop in accordance with the law and regulations to uphold China’s sovereignty and the sanctity of the DOC” if the Philippines were to send large amount of construction materials to BRP Sierra Madre and attempt to build fixed facilities or permanent outpost.

`INACCURATE’

The DFA in a statement branded as “inaccurate” the MOFA’s claim on prior notification and on-site confirmation as it said the agreement was reached without prejudice to both countries’ position on the issue.

“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 spokesperson’s statement therefore regarding prior notification and onsite confirmation is inaccurate,” the DFA said through its spokesperson Teresita Daza.

“I want to stress