Recently, it was widely believed within China that action would soon be taken against the Philippine tank landing ship BRP Sierra Madre, which has been grounded at Ren’ai Reef (Second Thomas Shoal) for 25 years. This belief was based on China’s recent dispatch of Shandong aircraft carrier, large medical ship, destroyers, and large coast guard ships to the South China Sea. On the afternoon of July 8, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources released a survey report indicating that illegal grounding of the Philippine warship and related human activities were the main causes of damage to the Ren’ai Reef coral ecosystem. This report was seen as a final warning.
However, this will likely disappoint many, as a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed today (July 22) that China has been in continuous consultations with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren’ai Reef and has recently reached a temporary arrangement for the delivery of humanitarian supplies. Both parties have agreed to jointly manage maritime differences and promote de-escalation in the South China Sea.
This statement brings to mind the remarks made by U.S. National Security Advisor Sullivan at the Aspen Security Forum on the 19th. Sullivan said that the U.S. prefers the Philippines to conduct its own resupply operations and has made it clear to China that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the BRP Sierra Madre. Reuters quoted Sullivan as saying that the most important thing now is to see a de-escalation of the situation and to see if the Philippines is capable of delivering supplies. Sullivan stated that the U.S. will continue to support the Philippines and will stand by them as they take steps to ensure this.
The Chinese spokesperson stated that regarding how to handle the current situation at Ren’ai Reef, China has publicly announced three principle positions. Based on these three principles, China has conducted consultations with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren’ai Reef.
1. The long-term grounding of a Philippine warship at Ren’ai Reef infringes on China’s sovereignty and violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, particularly Article 5, which prohibits inhabiting uninhabited islands and reefs. China still demands that the Philippines tow away the ship and restore the original uninhabited and unconstructed status of Ren’ai Reef.
2. Before the Philippines tows away the grounded warship, if the Philippines needs to provide supplies to the personnel on the ship, China is willing to allow the Philippines to do so from a humanitarian perspective. This is provided that the Philippines informs China in advance and allows on-site inspections. China will monitor the entire process.
3. If the Philippines transports large quantities of building materials to the ship in an attempt to construct permanent facilities and outposts, China will firmly oppose and intercept such actions in accordance with the law to maintain China’s sovereignty and the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.