China's coastguard said that the Philippines sent on Friday a civilian vessel to ferry daily essentials to a ship at Second Thomas Shoal, which Beijing claims was "beached illegally" in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

The coast guard was quoted by the state media as saying that the trip on Thursday was in accordance with a temporary agreement between the two nations. This is a reference to the provisional deal struck in July, after both countries had repeatedly clashed near the shoal.

The Philippines, however, said that the agreement, which was reached following several incidents at the shoal in the last few months, may be reviewed, after another flare-up occurred elsewhere in the South China Sea.

The Philippine coast guard supported the resupply of the Sierra Madre by the Philippine armed force (AFP).

In a press release, the statement said that essential supplies and provisions had been delivered to ease the way for the rotation of troops. It also pledged to continue with its mandates for the West Philippine Sea and provide full support and care for the troops stationed in the area.

China has claimed nearly all of South China Sea despite claims from Brunei and Malaysia. The Philippines, Vietnam and the Philippines also have maritime claims that overlap. This angers China's neighbours. (Reporting from Beijing newsroom; additional reporting by Mikhail Flores, Manila; Writing and editing by Bernard Orr)

(source: Reuters)