To reduce South China Sea friction, Beijing and Manila need it in writing

Disputes between China and the Philippines over maritime activities in the South China Sea have intensified, with recent confrontations involving Chinese and Philippine crews near the BRP Sierra Madre and at the Scarborough Shoal. The core of the contention lies in the deteriorating condition of the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded World War II-era tank landing ship, with both nations offering conflicting accounts of recent events.

On July 20, Chinese and Philippine crews reportedly clashed using oars and batons, resulting in an injured Filipino sailor. The Philippines stated Chinese ships used water cannons against Philippine vessels near the Scarborough Shoal days later, while China asserted it drove off ships that ignored warnings. Chinese analysts claim the BRP Sierra Madre's hull has significant damage and is taking on water, a situation exacerbated by Philippine efforts to rig cables around its hull.

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There is no mention of that undertaking in the provisional understanding. The deal did not bar construction or repairs on the Sierra Madre.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro rejected Beijing's assertion that Manila's actions breached a July provisional arrangement, emphasizing that the deal did not prohibit construction or repairs on the Sierra Madre. The Philippines maintains its sole right to build on the shoal and requires no Chinese permission for navigation. However, the terms of this provisional agreement have never been published, prompting Manila to request Beijing produce the document to substantiate its claims.

The ongoing friction highlights the limitations of informal understandings in resolving territorial disputes. The lack of a publicly accessible, clearly defined agreement allows for differing interpretations and escalates tensions, particularly concerning strategic assets like the BRP Sierra Madre, whose structural integrity is a key point of contention.

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The Philippines alone is entitled to build on the shoal and need not seek Chinese permission to sail there.