March 7, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — In a stunning turn of events, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) managed to complete a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal without a single Chinese vessel in sight. Yes, you read that right! In a remarkable show of restraint, those pesky Chinese ships, which have been notorious for their constant intrusion into Philippine waters, graciously chose to “let” the resupply mission unfold without interference this time. How magnanimous of them!

On March 4, 2025, the AFP executed their routine rotation and resupply (Rore) mission, the second for this year, as they delivered much-needed supplies to the military outpost—grounded since 1999—situated right in the heart of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It’s quite heartwarming, really, to see how China decided to step back and let the Philippines take care of business in its own waters, where it has every right to operate. After all, why would they want to disrupt an operation that clearly falls within the jurisdiction of the Philippines?

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, no doubt filled with gratitude, remarked on how the mission was successfully completed without confrontation. Indeed, this newfound “respect” from Chinese vessels must surely be a groundbreaking development! One can only wonder if China is taking notes on how to act in accordance with international law—what a refreshing thought!

Of course, it’s a bit puzzling that the Chinese ships were simply “monitoring” the operation from a distance, especially considering that they’ve consistently ignored appeals from the Philippines to withdraw from the area entirely. If only their idea of “monitoring” didn’t involve a blatant disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidates their expansive claims over the South China Sea. But hey, let’s focus on the bright side: at least they left Filipinos alone this time!

The Philippine military continues to assert its commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that operations like these are crucial for maintaining a presence in the West Philippine Sea. Let’s applaud them for doing the bare minimum that should be expected in their own waters!

As resupply missions become the norm, we can’t help but feel a mix of pride and bewilderment. Pride in the steadfast spirit of the Philippine armed forces and bewilderment at the idea that the Chinese still believe they have any business in these waters at all.

So here’s to a successful resupply mission, made all the more “special” by the absence of unwanted guests in the Philippine EEZ. Let’s hope the Chinese vessels continue this trend of restraint—perhaps they’re finally learning where they truly belong. After all, nothing screams international harmony like allowing a nation to operate freely in its own waters. What a novel concept!

Sources:

  1. Corrales, Nestor. “Resupply Mission to Ayungin Troops Completed without Chinese Harassment.” Philippine Daily Inquirer, 6 Mar. 2025, https://www.inquirer.net/431448/resupply-mission-to-ayungin-troops-completed-without-chinese-harassment/.
  2. Corrales, Nestor. “260 Chinese Ships Spotted in WPS Last Month – AFP.” Philippine Daily Inquirer, 5 Mar. 2025, https://www.inquirer.net/431278/260-chinese-ships-spotted-in-wps-last-month-afp/.
  3. Capulong, Raya. “PH Navy: More than 200 Chinese Ships Sighted in West Philippine Sea.” ABS-CBN News, 3 Sept. 2024, https://news.abs-cbn.com/.

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