DFA notes ‘substantial progress’ without sacrificing sovereignty
The governments of China and the Philippines have agreed to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea in what may be the first conciliatory gesture between two parties that are widely seen as being dangerously close to an armed confrontation in contested waters.
Hope for ending a months-spanning standoff between maritime forces came after representatives of the two countries met at the 9th meeting of Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that the two officials had “frank and constructive discussions” on the situation in the South China Sea.
During the meeting, Lazaro reiterated that the Philippines will continue to protect its interests and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, while also acknowledging the need to restore trust between the two countries.
“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions. There was substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but significant differences remain. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a mutually-acceptable resolution to the issues,” the DFA further stated.
China and the Philippines also signed the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms, and agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation.
“Both sides agreed that continued dialogue on the basis of mutual respect as two equal sovereign states facilitates peace and stability at sea, and committed to having the 10th BCM in China to sustain the positive momentum of discussions,” the DFA added.
The possible cooling of tensions came at the heels of the Philippine Navy (PN) confirming the recent sighting of a Chinese aircraft carrier off the Western part of Luzon.
In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, PN spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is aware of the said China Naval asset and challenged its presence in the Philippine waters.
He noted, however, that the other Chinese vessels such as those belonging to the PLA Navy and Chinese Coast Guard Maritime Militia vessels were also monitored in the WPS.
“We have to understand that the WPS is a nautical highway, it could be likened to EDSA. On an ordinary day, ships are coming there from the straits of Malacca exit to the South China Sea. On the report of the Chinese Coast Guard aircraft carrier and monster ship of the China Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy monitors our maritime domain and we are aware of them,” the naval officer disclosed. With Agence France Presse
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Philippines, China take steps to defuse West PH Sea tensions during Manila talks