EASING TENSIONS
THE Philippines and China have agreed to calmly deal with the incidents in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) to ensure peace and stability in the region.
This happened when the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea was convened in Shanghai on January 17.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong had a “frank and productive” discussions to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea, a statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated yesterday.
“Both sides agreed to calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy,” the DFA said.
They also agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea.
Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions.
The Philippines and China agreed to improve maritime communication mechanism in the South China Sea. This includes communications between foreign ministries and coast guards of the two countries.
Both the Philippines and China also agreed to initiate talks on possible academic exchanges on marine scientific research between Filipino and Chinese scientists.
This is pursuant to the agreement reached between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco last November 2023 to ease and manage tensions in the South China Sea.
In December 2023, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation to follow up on the agreement reached between the two heads of States.
Both the Philippines and China have had several confrontations in the South China Sea as Beijing becomes more assertive in pressing its maritime claims in the area.
