MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said that there is no violation of the provisional understanding with China regarding the Philippines’ resupply (RORE) missions to Ayungin Shoal.
This is the reaction to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan’s claim that the Philippines’ soldiers “were building some of barrier nets” or “some kind of construction work” on BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II era warship grounded on Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, the DFA reiterated that the provisional understanding “is not a grant of or a request for permission” to any foreign government, nor does it recognize any foreign jurisdiction over Philippine waters, and was agreed on the express understanding that it does not prejudice national positions.
The provisional understanding between the Philippines and China was reached in 2024 to facilitate delivery of food, medicine fuel and other basic supplies to Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre.
“The Provisional Understanding does not require the Philippines to seek permission to undertake RORE missions, nor does it allow boarding and inspection of Philippine vessels, and, above all, it does not concede the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” the statement read.
On 20 July 2026, a Philippine Navy personnel was injured while a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) carrying eight personnel, approached BRP Sierra Madre and took photos at close range, resulting in a violent encounter.
Despite this, the Philippines continues to conduct rotation and resupply missions, including normal shipboard activities in BRP Sierra Madre, as a matter of routine government function within Philippine jurisdiction and in the exercise of its sovereign rights under international law particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and will continue to do so for as long as necessary in line with the national interest, the DFA stated.
The DFA reaffirms that Ayungin Shoal forms part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, as provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and settled by the 2016 Arbitral Award.
As a low-tide elevation, Ayungin generates no maritime entitlement of its own and cannot be claimed by any other state. The Philippines alone holds the sovereign right to authorize any structure there, and Philippine vessels do not require permission to sail to Ayungin, the DFA said.
