PH completes 5th RORE mission to Ayungin Shoal after talks with China
FILE PHOTO: The BRP Sierra Madre, a Navy warship that now serves as military outpost, keeps watch over Ayungin (Second Thomas), located within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Nearby are Chinese coast guard and militia vessels in this shot taken on February 21, 2023, during an aerial surveillance by the Philippine Coast Guard. Philippine Daily Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on Friday completed another rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed.
In a statement, the DFA said this was the fifth RORE mission conducted following the understanding reached between the Philippines and China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin.
“It demonstrates that effective diplomacy plays a leading role in West Philippine Sea issues and creates pathways to innovative approaches that help manage the situation, without compromising the Philippine national interest,” said the DFA.
READ: PH, China agree to honor provisional understanding on Ayungin trips
“The Philippines views the latest RORE mission and the continued adherence to the understanding on the principles and approaches to such missions as substantial demonstrations of diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with issues in the South China Sea, and the country’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” it added.
READ: RORE mission for BRP Sierra Madre completed
The Philippines and China, during the 10th bilateral consultation mechanism held earlier this month, agreed to continue the conduct of RORE missions to Ayunhin and sustain the de-escalation of tensions within the territory.
