Philippines Rejects China's Sierra Madre Claims

The Philippines has rejected China's assertion that it promised to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. The vessel, a commissioned Philippine naval ship, has been permanently stationed in the shoal since 1999, serving as a vital military outpost.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva Jr. explicitly stated, "There is no agreement between the Philippines and China obligating the Philippines to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned Philippine naval vessel permanently stationed in Ayungin Shoal."

The Chinese Embassy's deputy spokesperson issued a statement on September 12th, reigniting the dispute by repeating claims about past promises to remove the vessel. This statement further inflamed already sensitive diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Philippine government, in response, categorically rejected Beijing's version of events, maintaining that no such agreement was ever made or recognized.

Ayungin Shoal falls within 200 nautical miles of Palawan, positioning it squarely within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. This classification is consistent with the country's interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The 2016 South China Sea arbitration tribunal specifically determined that Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, is a low-tide elevation, meaning such features cannot independently generate their own territorial sea or exclusive economic zone. The ruling reinforces the Philippine position that China has no valid claim to the area.

Beijing has consistently claimed the 2016 arbitration was improperly initiated, maintaining that it neither accepts nor recognizes the award. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated this unchanged position on September 15th, underscoring China's long-standing defiance of the international tribunal.

China advocates for direct bilateral negotiations as the preferred method for resolving maritime disputes, rather than engaging with international arbitration processes.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. spoke on September 16th, firmly asserting that Beijing has no legal right to demand the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre. He underscored that China's demand extends beyond its jurisdiction and any form of intervention permissible under international law.

Teodoro emphasized the Philippines' unwavering reliance on UNCLOS and established international legal frameworks, rather than submitting to Chinese narratives or unilateral demands.

Secretary Teodoro argued that China's 'nine-dash line' lacks global recognition and should not be given importance. He urged the Philippines to continue operating strictly within its sovereign rights, as defined by UNCLOS and international law, rather than acknowledging unsupported claims.

The 2016 tribunal had previously concluded there was no legal basis for China's historic rights claims within the nine-dash line, further invalidating Beijing's territorial assertions.

The Philippine Navy deliberately grounded the former landing ship, BRP Sierra Madre, at Ayungin Shoal in 1999. Since then, Filipino troops have remained aboard the vessel, transforming it into a permanent outpost.

The ship's presence has become a enduring symbol of the territorial dispute, representing the Philippines' steadfast commitment to its claims in the West Philippine Sea.

Manila and Beijing reached what the Philippine government describes as a provisional understanding in July 2024, governing rotation and resupply missions to the Sierra Madre. This agreement specifically covers logistical support for the vessel but crucially does not recognize Chinese jurisdiction over the shoal.

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains that this understanding preserves the national positions of both countries and has, as of August 2026, facilitated 15 incident-free resupply missions.

The Philippine government has consistently denied the existence of a binding commitment to remove the BRP Sierra Madre for many years. In 2023, President Marcos Jr. stated he was unaware of any such agreement and asserted he would rescind it even if it were found to exist.

The current stance of the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to maintain that no such promise has ever been made or is binding.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act, officially Republic Act number 1264, was approved in November 2024. This legislation formally declares the maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, providing a domestic legal framework for its claims.

The act meticulously defines the country's territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf, aligning these classifications with the principles of UNCLOS.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has labeled the act as invalid and without legal effect.

China asserts that the Philippine domestic legislation cannot affect its territorial sovereignty or maritime rights in the South China Sea.

Manila continues to pursue peace and diplomatic engagement in the ongoing maritime dispute, while simultaneously asserting its maritime rights. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs states it remains committed to dialogue, diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Despite the tensions, the Philippines continues to maintain economic relations with China. Both nations also participate in various mechanisms designed to prevent escalation of conflicts in the region.

The BRP Sierra Madre dispute is not merely about a single vessel; it represents a deeper clash between two governments holding sharply different interpretations of sovereignty, maritime rights, and international law. This conflict plays out in one of Asia's most contested waterways.

Ayungin Shoal remains a central pressure point, symbolizing the competing claims and the ongoing struggle over maritime governance in the West Philippine Sea.