Philippines rejects China's claim BRP Sierra Madre repairs violate provisional understanding

The Philippines has rejected China's claim that repairs and construction work on the BRP Sierra Madre violate the provisional understanding between Manila and Beijing on Ayungin Shoal, saying no such restriction exists in the agreement.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made the clarification after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan alleged that Philippine personnel were conducting construction activities on the grounded naval vessel, which he claimed ran contrary to the "spirit" of the provisional understanding governing rotation and resupply missions.

In a press briefing on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City on Thursday evening, July 23, Lazaro said repairs or construction on the BRP Sierra Madre were not covered by the said provisional understanding.

"No. There is no mention of that undertaking in the provisional understanding," she said.