An interim deal to facilitate deliveries to Philippine marines stranded on a ship at a disputed reef in the South China Sea is facing uncertainty as conflicting accounts emerge from Manila and Beijing regarding the agreement.
Tensions have escalated in recent months due to violent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine ships at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. Manila grounded a navy ship in 1999 at the shoal to assert its claims, leading to ongoing disputes.
