China, Philippines reach deal to end clashes over disputed sea territory | World News

The standoff over Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea has recurred several times since 2023, with increasingly hostile confrontations raising fears of a broader conflict that could involve the United States.

China and the Philippines have reached an agreement they hope will end confrontations over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

THE Philippines occupies the Second Thomas Shoal, which is also claimed by Beijing.

The years-long territorial dispute has escalated several times since last year, with increasingly hostile confrontations raising fears of a wider conflict that could involve the United States.

Chinese The Coast Guard and other forces used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent the Philippines from delivering food and other supplies to navy personnel at its outpost in the shallow waters of the shoal.

An agreement to end the clashes was reached on Sunday after a series of meetings between officials from the two countries in the Philippine capital Manila.

The Philippine Foreign Ministry said the two countries had “reached agreement on the interim arrangement” for resupply missions to the outpost.

The ministry added: “Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage disputes through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice the other side’s positions in the South China Sea.”

The agreement was reached without either country recognizing the other’s territorial claims.

Beijing is in conflict with several governments over its land and maritime borders, many of which lie in the South China Sea.

Sunday’s deal could raise hopes that similar arrangements could be struck by China with other rival countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.

It remains to be seen, however, whether the agreement can be successfully implemented and how long it will last.

What clashes took place?

The Philippine outpost is located on a rusting, long-stranded warship called the BRP Sierra Madre.

In the worst confrontationOn June 17, Chinese forces aboard motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two navy ships carrying food and other supplies, according to the Philippine government.

Chinese forces also reportedly seized Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears.

They also reportedly seized seven M4 rifles, packed in crates, along with other supplies.

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Why has the South China Sea become so controversial?

A Philippine military leader said soldiers used their “bare hands” to fight armed Chinese coast guards.

Several marines were injured, including one who lost his thumb, in a chaotic skirmish that was later filmed and photographed by Philippine authorities.

China and the Philippines have accused each other of responsibility for the confrontation and each asserted their own sovereign rights over the shoal, which Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Ren’ai Jiao.

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, have condemned China’s actions on the reef.

They also called for respect for the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a key global trade route with rich fishing grounds and undersea gas deposits.

Washington has no territorial claims in the disputed waters, but has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Philippine forces, ships and aircraft come under armed attack.