Philippines and China Reach Agreement After Confrontations in the South China Sea

The Philippines and China have reached a preliminary agreement to supply Filipino troops on the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, following a series of confrontations between the two countries. The agreement aims to ease tensions and establish a mutually acceptable arrangement.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, but other countries including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam also have territorial claims in the region. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declared some of China's claims to be invalid in 2016, but China does not recognize the ruling.

In recent months, there have been clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels, resulting in injuries to Filipino sailors. However, both countries have agreed to de-escalate the tensions.

The South China Sea is a highly disputed area due to its rich fishing grounds and gas reserves. The United States and its allies have criticized China's actions and called for the protection of the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the region.