To reduce South China Sea friction, Beijing and Manila need it in writing

The Philippines and China have been experiencing friction in the South China Sea, with recent incidents at Scarborough Shoal. A Chinese vessel clashed with Philippine crews using water cannons, while Beijing accused Manila of breaching a provisional arrangement. However, the agreement's text was never published, and both sides have conflicting accounts of its terms.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded ship in the shoal, is reportedly collapsing, and its condition is a major point of contention. Chinese analysts claim the hull has large holes and is taking on water, while Philippine officials deny this. The ship needs steel and cement, and the agreement's focus on food while leaving reinforcement contested could lead to a collapse.

Manila is asking China to produce the agreement to support its claims, while China wants the ship removed, not reinforced. The situation highlights the tension between sovereignty and alliance politics, with both sides seeking an advantage. Manila is leveraging the situation by increasing patrols and seeking support from the US, Japan, and Australia, while China remains focused on preventing the ship from being reinforced.

The ship's eventual failure will determine the outcome, and until then, both sides continue to quarrel over the deteriorating vessel.