The Philippines’ national government has published an interim pact with Chinese authorities to permit the replenishment of its armed forces’ camp on the contentious Second Thomas Shoal within the South China Sea.
The straightforward words from the DFA of Philippines indicate that it was reached through consultation among representatives from participating states; henceforth, this pact permits the Philippine military personnel to ferry goods to a pocket-sized force of marines encamped.
The pact is hailed as a move to ease tensions after a year of escalating discord between the two countries. There were fears of a US-China war in case the Philippine resupply missions were disrupted by the Chinese coast guard.
This should not be used to show where the Philippines stands on the South China Sea issue while stressing that dialogue and consultation are still key according to the department of foreign affairs.
The Philippines’ exclusive economic zone contains the Second Thomas Shoal; accordingly, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, it has full ownership rights to its use. However, China argues that it owns the reef, although the 2016 arbitration outcome stated otherwise.
