The Philippines asserted that its provisional understanding with China is neither an instrument to approve nor restrict the country's activities at Ayungin Shoal, rejecting Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's "misrepresentation" of the understanding.

In a statement, the National Maritime Council (NMC) "firmly rejects" statements by the Chinese Ambassador regarding the Philippines’ lawful activities in Ayungin Shoal and the provisional understanding for Rotation and Resupply (RORE) to BRP Sierra Madre.

"Such assertions misrepresent both the Philippines’ sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal and the purpose and the scope of the Provisional Understanding," the NMC said on July 30.

The NMC stressed that the provisional understanding is "a practical arrangement" to facilitate lawful and safe RORE missions to BRP Sierra Madre and to reduce the risk of incidents at sea.

"It is not an instrument that grants any country the authority to approve, regulate, inspect or restrict Philippine activities at Ayungin Shoal," the NMC pointed out.

It further underscored that "there is no requirement for the Philippines to seek permission before undertaking lawful activities in its own exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law."

"There is likewise no agreement nor arrangement that has altered or diminished the sovereign rights that the Philippines exercises over Ayungin Shoal," the NMC asserted.

The council added that any attempt to invoke the provisional understanding or blame the Philippines’ lawful activities in Ayungin Shoal to justify coercive or violent actions against Philippine personnel is "equally unacceptable."

"Confidence-building measures exist to prevent incidents—not to rationalize actions that increase tensions or endanger lives," the council stressed.

The NMC also called on China to refrain from statements and actions that undermine efforts to maintain peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea.

It added that constructive dialogue must be anchored in mutual respect, good faith, and adherence to international law.

It further stated that the Philippines remains committed to resolving differences peacefully while protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, consistent with international law and the policy of President Marcos to pursue peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order.

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the existence of a "provisional understanding" with China over RORE missions to Ayungin Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, however, stressed that the provisional understanding does not involve seeking permission from the Chinese for the RORE.