In a decisive move that underscores the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, the government has reaffirmed its stance on maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre as a permanent military outpost in the contested Ayungin Shoal. This declaration comes in direct response to China’s recent claim that the Philippines had previously agreed to remove the vessel from the area. The statement, issued by Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, emphasizes the strategic importance of the BRP Sierra Madre in safeguarding Philippine interests within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy, has been deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal since 1999. This deliberate action was taken in response to China’s occupation of Panganiban Reef (also known as Mischief Reef) in 1995, which the Philippines viewed as a breach of its territorial integrity. The deployment of this permanent station serves as a tangible assertion of Philippine sovereignty and a means to protect and secure the country’s rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea. Daza’s statement underscores the legitimacy of this deployment, asserting that it is an inherent right of the Philippines and does not violate any international laws or agreements.
The timing of the BRP Sierra Madre’s deployment is particularly significant in the context of regional maritime agreements. Daza pointed out that the Philippine military station was established in 1999, several years before the conclusion of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002. This chronology is crucial as it demonstrates that the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre predates the DOC and therefore cannot be considered a violation of its provisions. This fact strengthens the Philippines’ position in maintaining the vessel’s presence in Ayungin Shoal, despite China’s objections.
The recent tensions surrounding Ayungin Shoal have brought international attention to the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. On August 5, 2023, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) used water cannons against Philippine military supply boats attempting to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre. This aggressive action by China has been strongly condemned by the Philippines and has raised concerns about the escalation of conflicts in the region. In response to these events, Daza asserted that it is the CCG’s actions, not the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre, that violate international laws and agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award, the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the ASEAN-China DOC.
The legal status of Ayungin Shoal plays a crucial role in this dispute. According to the 2016 arbitral ruling, which Daza referenced in her statement, Ayungin Shoal is classified as a low-tide elevation. This classification is significant because it means that the shoal is not subject to sovereign claims or appropriation by any nation. Instead, it falls within the Philippines’ EEZ, over which the country has sovereign rights and jurisdiction. This legal framework provides a solid foundation for the Philippines’ position and challenges China’s claims of sovereignty over the area.
The Philippine government’s commitment to maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal extends beyond diplomatic statements. National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya emphasized that the BRP Sierra Madre, as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the area, would not be abandoned. This sentiment was echoed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, who stated, “We will do what is necessary to make sure that it will continue to stand there.” These declarations demonstrate a unified stance across various government agencies in upholding the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea.
To better understand the strategic importance of Ayungin Shoal and the BRP Sierra Madre, it’s helpful to consider the geographical and historical context of the dispute:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) is located in the Spratly Islands, approximately 105 nautical miles (194 km) west of Palawan |
| Distance from China | Approximately 1,000 km from the nearest point on mainland China |
| Legal Status | Part of the Philippines’ EEZ according to UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling |
| BRP Sierra Madre Deployment | 1999, in response to China’s occupation of Mischief Reef in 1995 |
| Significance | Strategic outpost for monitoring and asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea |
The Philippine government’s approach to maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal involves regular resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre. These missions are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the military personnel stationed on the vessel. Malaya confirmed that the government would continue to supply food, gasoline, and other necessities to the troops through the AFP’s Western Command (Wescom) and the Philippine Coast Guard. While specific details of future supply operations were not disclosed for security reasons, Malaya assured the public that the government would not abandon its troops in Ayungin Shoal.
The Philippines’ firm stance on maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal is rooted in its broader strategy to protect its maritime rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea. This approach is based on several key principles and legal frameworks:
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): As a signatory to UNCLOS, the Philippines asserts its rights within its EEZ, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from its coastline.
- 2016 Arbitral Ruling: The Philippines relies heavily on the 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its EEZ.
- Historical Presence: The deployment of the BRP Sierra Madre in 1999 established a long-standing Philippine presence in Ayungin Shoal, predating many of the current tensions in the region.
- Freedom of Navigation: By maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal, the Philippines aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea, a principle supported by many nations in the international community.
- Resource Protection: The area around Ayungin Shoal is rich in fish stocks and potential hydrocarbon reserves, making it economically significant for the Philippines.
The Philippines’ determination to maintain the BRP Sierra Madre as a permanent outpost in Ayungin Shoal reflects a broader strategy to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea. By basing its position on international law, historical presence, and strategic necessity, the Philippines aims to counter China’s expansive maritime claims and maintain stability in the region. The government’s unified stance across various agencies demonstrates a commitment to this cause, despite the challenges posed by recent incidents such as the water cannon attack on supply vessels.
As tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea, the situation surrounding Ayungin Shoal and the BRP Sierra Madre remains a focal point of the broader geopolitical landscape. The Philippines’ approach combines diplomatic assertions, legal arguments, and physical presence to uphold its claims. This multifaceted strategy underscores the complexity of maritime disputes in the region and highlights the challenges faced by smaller nations in defending their territorial integrity against larger powers.
The international community’s response to these developments will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the South China Sea disputes. As countries like the United States express support for the Philippines and emphasize the importance of adhering to international law, the global implications of this regional conflict become increasingly apparent. The ongoing situation at Ayungin Shoal serves as a testament to the delicate balance of power in Southeast Asia and the critical importance of peaceful resolution to maritime disputes.
In conclusion, the Philippines’ firm stance on maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal represents a significant chapter in the complex narrative of the South China Sea disputes. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how this assertion of sovereignty impacts regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of August 8, 2023. The situation in the West Philippine Sea is dynamic, and new developments may have occurred since the time of writing. Readers are encouraged to seek updated information from official sources. If you notice any inaccuracies in this report, please contact our editorial team promptly so we can make the necessary corrections.
