The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) emphasized that proposed amendments to the 2016 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) do not include joint patrols or other sensitive operational cooperation.
In a statement released on Monday evening, March 23, DFA Spokesperson on Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva stressed that the discussions on the establishment of a “Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation” is limited to restoring a communication mechanism between the two sides.
“The proposed amendments are limited in scope. They are focused on re-establishing the Joint Coast Guard Committee, which is intended to serve as a formalized channel of communication between the two coast guards,” he said.
“The MOU does not contemplate cooperation in sensitive operational areas, joint patrols foremost among them,” Villanueva added. This statement follows recent public commentary regarding discussions on the MoU between the PCG and the CCG.
Villanueva said these talks align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain open lines of communication with China while upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction under international law.
The DFA official also noted that negotiations are being conducted through official diplomatic channels and are not limited to Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meetings.
He said all actions are reported to and recognized by key officials, including the National Security Adviser as NTF-WPS chair, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the PCG Commandant.
The DFA also reaffirmed that “engagement and vigilance are complementary rather than contradictory,” emphasizing that the Philippines intends to pursue practical maritime cooperation where appropriate while firmly defending its national interests.
On March 19, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said the two coast guards should collaborate on positive initiatives, highlighting that both parties are close to finalizing a landmark Coast Guard cooperation agreement, with the draft now “95 percent complete.”
For his part, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said their organization has no role in drafting the agreement, especially regarding reported plans for joint patrols.
