The Philippines has reached an agreement with China to redeploy its forces on a disputed reef in the South Sea.

Philippines And China An agreement has been reached to redistribute Philippine troops stationed on the rocks South China SeaAs reported by Manila this Sunday, after a series of intense clashes in the disputed waters.

In recent months, a remote outpost The second was Thomas Scholl It has been the focus of conflicts between Chinese and Philippine ships, at a time when Beijing is intensifying its efforts to impose its claims on almost the entire world. South China Sea.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb The last confrontationOn June 17, the Philippine Navy repelled an attempt by the Chinese coast guard armed with knives, clubs and axes to resupply its troops.

Sunday's announcement comes later Talks between the Philippines and China took place this monthIn this they agreed to increase the number of communication channels between the two countries to resolve maritime disputes.

“The Philippines and the People's Republic of China a Understanding of temporary contract to fill daily needs and cycle missions to BRP Sierra Madre in the rocks Ayungin”, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses the Philippine name for the second Thomas Shoal.

The Foreign Office did not provide details of the agreement, but both sides “recognized the need for it.to reduce the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A few Filipino troops are stationed on the rusting warship PRP Sierra MadreIt was deliberately conducted in 1999 to assert Manila's claim to the second Thomas Shoal area.

required Frequent replenishment of food, water and other essentialsas well as transport for personnel circulation.

On Sunday, Manila announced Redistributive operations will remain a Philippine operationAfter Washington promised to “do what it takes” to support them.

“As far as the recycling and redistribution (RORE) mission is concerned, we will maintain it as a purely Philippine operation, using Philippine ships, personnel and leadership,” he said. AFP Jonathan Malaya, Deputy Director General of the National Security Council. “That may change depending on the direction of senior management, but that is the current direction or policy.”

Malaya's statements come after the White House's national security adviser. Jack SullivanAmerica said “I'll do what it takes” To ensure that the Philippines resupply its troops in the disputed atoll.

“We will continue to support the Philippines as they take steps to ensure this.”Sullivan made the announcement during the Aspen Conservation Forum conference in Colorado.

Malaya said the National Security Council appreciated the US offer The Philippines will continue consultations as treaty partners.

Manila has a mutual defense treaty with the United States According to Washington, both sides must come to the defense of the other in the event of an “armed attack” against ships, aircraft, military personnel and coast guards anywhere in the Pacific theater, which includes the South China Sea.

(With information from AFP)