MANILA – The Philippines and China agreed to “calmly” deal with incidents related to issues concerning the South China Sea through diplomacy.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both sides had “frank” and “productive” discussions to de-escalate the situation in the South China during the convening of the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai, China on Wednesday.
“Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong had frank and productive discussions to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and both sides agreed to calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy,” the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA also mentioned that both sides agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea, while presenting respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal with the assurance of each other’s mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions.
The DFA added that the Philippines and China agreed to improve maritime communication mechanism in the South China Sea, which includes communications between foreign ministries and coast guards of the two countries.
The Philippines and China also agreed to initiate talks on possible academic exchanges on marine scientific research between Filipino and Chinese scientists.
During the last part of 2023, tensions escalated in the contested waters near Ayungin Shoal after Chinese Coast Guard and militia repeatedly blocked, shadowed and collided with a Philippine vessel undergoing resupply missions for troops stationed on the beached BRP Sierra Madre.
Earlier in the month, China called out Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s remarks to Taiwan, saying he is sending “erroneous” signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces.
In a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, it urges the Philippines to “earnestly abide” by the One-China principle and “stop the wrong words and deeds” on Taiwan-related issues.
Marcos congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai and said that the Philippines “looks forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.”
The DFA later released a statement, explaining that the message of President Marcos was “his way of thanking them (Taiwan) for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process.”
“Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the DFA affirms.
