January 19, 2024 In a bid to manage conflicts and differences in the South China Sea, China and the Philippines have reached an agreement to improve maritime communication and conduct friendly talks. The understanding was forged during the eighth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, co-chaired by China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippines Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro in Shanghai.
Both sides engaged in frank and in-depth discussions, reaffirming that the South China Sea dispute does not define the entirety of their bilateral relations. Recent confrontations in disputed waters, including allegations of a ship ramming incident involving the Philippine armed forces chief of staff, have strained relations between the two nations.
China maintains sovereignty claims over a significant portion of the South China Sea, overlapping with exclusive economic zones of other nations in the region, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The dispute has led to increased tensions, with accusations of provocations and conflicting territorial claims.
In a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry, both nations emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and dialogue to preserve maritime peace and stability. They expressed a commitment to calmly handling incidents through diplomatic means and to properly managing maritime conflicts and differences.
The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs highlighted that both countries agreed to handle maritime emergencies, particularly around the Second Thomas Shoal (Renai Reef in China) and Ayungin in Manila. The statement noted that both sides presented their positions on Ayungin Shoal, pledging a mutual commitment to avoid escalating tensions.
Despite recent strains, China and the Philippines reiterated their commitment to dialogue. They vowed to advance practical maritime cooperation to create favorable conditions for the sound and stable development of their bilateral relations.
In related developments, tensions escalated when China summoned the ambassador from the Philippines on Tuesday, cautioning against “playing with fire” after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te. China demanded adherence to the one-China principle, and the Philippines reiterated its commitment to the one-China policy during the meeting. The diplomatic exchanges underscore the complexities and sensitivities in the region as nations navigate maritime disputes and geopolitical dynamics.
