Philippines completes first South China Sea resupply mission since deal w/ China

27/7/2024 16:52

        The Philippines on Saturday completed unimpeded a resupply trip to its troops at a disputed South China Sea shoal, its foreign ministry said, the first such mission under a new arrangement with China aimed at cooling tensions.
        
        The Philippines and China last week announced a "provisional agreement" on Manila's resupply missions to its contingent of troops on a naval ship grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal, after repeated clashes between vessels that have caused regional concerns about an escalation of hostilities.
        
        Saturday's mission involved a civilian vessel, escorted by Philippine coast guard, with no untoward incidents reported, the foreign ministry said. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the mission.
        
        The Philippines and China both said the agreement would not change their positions on territory.