MANILA, Philippines — Amid China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, both the Philippines and China have resolved to de-escalate tensions in the region “without prejudice to their respective positions,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA made the pronouncement after the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) was held in Manila on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had “ frank and constructive discussions” in the meeting.
The DFA said Lazaro noted the recent incidents in the South China Sea and stressed that the Philippines will remain “relentless” in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
“Noting recent incidents in the South China Sea, both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence, and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” the DFA said in a statement.
“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” it added.
While “significant differences” remained even after the discussion, the DFA said that “there was substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea.”
“Both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the issues,” the department said.
In the same meeting, the two sides also signed the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms and agreed to further discuss how to operationalize the new mechanism.
Furthermore, both sides also agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation between their respective coast guard authorities, including the possible resumption of the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC).
The possibility of convening an academic forum among scientists and academics on marine scientific and technological cooperation also floated during the meeting, said the DFA.
“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 on discussions,” the DFA said.
These developments came after China’s increased aggression against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
Both countries have been embroiled in a territorial dispute after the latter claimed the majority of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, through its so-called ten-dash line.
However, China’s claims have been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013.
Despite this, China continued to deliberately ignore the ruling, consistently encroaching on the country’s exclusive economic zone.
On June 17, China Coast Guard vessels rammed a Philippine resupply ship on its way to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal during a humanitarian mission.
READ: PH Navy sailor loses thumb, others injured in CCG ramming incident
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The said incident resulted in a Philippine Navy sailor’s severed thumb, with several other naval personnel also reported to have sustained minor injuries.
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