Philippines 'to assert our rights' after China sea deal

A Philippine coast guard vessel (left) is seen patrolling near the grounded navy ship BRP Sierra Madre where Philippine marines are stationed to assert Manila's territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal. - AFP file pic

MANILA: Manila insisted on Monday (July 22) it will continue to "assert our rights" over a hotspot South China Sea reef, after reaching a deal with Beijing for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on a grounded warship.

The Philippine foreign ministry also rejected suggestions by China that the "provisional arrangement" announced Sunday required Manila to give Beijing "prior notification" and verification of deliveries to the BRP Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal.