BEIJING (Reuters)

China’s coast guard stated on Friday that the Philippines sent a civilian ship to deliver essential supplies to a warship at the Second Thomas Shoal, which Beijing claims was illegally “beached” in the contested waters of the South China Sea.

State media reported that Thursday’s resupply trip was in accordance with a temporary agreement between the two nations, referencing a provisional deal made in July after both sides faced multiple altercations near the shoal.

However, the Philippines indicated that this deal, which was established after several incidents at the shoal in recent months, could be reviewed following another escalation elsewhere in the South China Sea.

In Manila, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the resupply mission to the naval ship Sierra Madre had the backing of the country’s coast guard.

Essential goods and supplies were delivered, facilitating troop rotation. The AFP issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to its duties in the West Philippine Sea, ensuring full support for the troops stationed there.

China asserts nearly all of the South China Sea, despite competing claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which has caused frustration among its neighboring countries.