'No incident on Sierra Madre resupply mission'

FOREIGN Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Saturday that the third rotation and resupply mission (RORE) to BRP Sierra Madre on Thursday was completed without any untoward incident.

Lazaro attributed the success of the mission to a provisional understanding with China negotiated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), following the orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"I welcome the successful conduct of the 3rd rotation and resupply #rore mission to BRP Sierra Madre on 14 Nov. 2024, made possible by the Provisional Understanding negotiated by @DFAPHL upon Pres Marcos' instructions to seek a peaceful resolution through diplomacy," Lazaro posted on X (formerly Twitter).

She commended the roles of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of National Defense and National Security Council in the successful mission.

In Beijing, a Reuters report quoted China's coast guard saying that China permitted a civilian ship sent by the Philippines to bring supplies to its "illegally" beached warship at the shoal.

"It is hoped the Philippines will honor its commitments, work with China in the same direction, and jointly manage the maritime situation," the agency's spokesman, Liu Dejun, said in a statement on Thursday.

On Friday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, urged the Philippines to return to dialogue and consultation in resolving territorial disputes.

"The Philippine side, in collusion with external countries, carried out frequent military exercises in the South China Sea to sow discord and provoke confrontation. Such actions disrupt peace and stability in the South China Sea and undermine the interests and well-being of people in the region," Zhang said.

Zhang issued the statement in response to a Philippine Navy remarks that the joint naval exercises frequently held by the Philippines, the US, and other Western powers were helping reign in "aggressive" Chinese actions in the South China Sea.

"The Chinese military will take strong and resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, counter infringements and provocations, and preserve peace and stability in the South China Sea, Zhang added.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea despite overlapping claims by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.