Breakthrough Deal: China And Philippines Agree To De-Escalate Tensions At Disputed Shoal In South China Sea

China and the Philippines have now clinched an agreement aimed at halting disputes over the highly contentious Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, according to a report from The Hindu.

The Second Thomas Shoal is currently occupied by the Philippines but is also claimed by China and has been a flashpoint for increasingly aggressive clashes.

The seminal agreement was finalised following a series of meetings between the Philippine and Chinese diplomats in Manila, along with exchanges of diplomatic notes.

The goal was to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal, known as Ayungin in the Philippines and Ren’ai Jiao in China, without conceding territorial claims from either side.

“Both sides continue to recognise the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation. They agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced shortly after midnight on Sunday (21 July) that they had discussed managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao with the Philippines and reached a provisional arrangement.

They further stated that the arrangement is also aimed for the "humanitarian re-supply of living necessities". Neither side has released the text of the agreement as of now.

China has numerous territorial disputes with several governments over land and sea borders, many in the South China Sea. The rare deal with the Philippines could spark hope for similar arrangements with other countries to avoid clashes while territorial issues remain unresolved.

However, it remains to be seen if the deal will be successfully implemented and how long it will last.