Seek to improve handling of China sea conflicts
CHINA and the Philippines have agreed to improve communications and manage conflicts and differences related to the South China Sea territorial dispute, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.
In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met during the eighth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held in Shanghai, and held a “frank and in-depth” discussion on their respective countries’ views on the situation.
“Both officials believe that maintaining communication and dialogue is essential to maintaining maritime peace and stability in the area,” the foreign ministry said.
It added that they also agreed to manage maritime conflicts and emergencies, differences and problems through “friendly consultations.”
Both officials also agreed that the South China Sea issue is not the sum of relations between Beijing and Manila.
The 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism in Shanghai is pursuant to the agreement reached between President Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco last November to manage tension in the South China Sea. Foreign Affairs chief Enrique Manalo also held a phone call with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the issue in December last year.
In the Jan. 17 statement released by the DFA yesterday, it said both sides “agreed to calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy.”
The two sides agreed to properly manage maritime conflicts and differences through friendly consultations, as well as properly handle maritime emergencies, especially the situation around the Second Thomas Shoal, known as Renai Reef in China, and Ayungin in Manila.
“Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions,” the DFA said.
‘CANDID’ DISCUSSIONS
The DFA also said the two sides had “frank and candid” discussions to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea. They also agreed to deal with any incidents in the waterway through diplomacy, the DFA said.
“The Philippines and China agreed to improve maritime communication mechanism in the South China Sea. This includes communications between foreign ministries and coast guards of the two countries,” the DFA said.
“They also agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea. Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions,” it added.
The DFA further said the two sides also agreed to initiate talks on possible academic exchanges on marine scientific research between Filipino and Chinese scientists.
The relations between Beijing and Manila were strained after numerous incidents of confrontation between their ships in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea, with the two trading accusations of provoking conflict in the strategic waterway through which nearly $5 trillion in goods passes annually, or nearly one third of the global maritime trade.
Last year, Chinese coast guard vessels also blocked and water cannoned Philippine ships on resupply missions to Ayungin and Scarborough shoals, further straining bilateral relations, with Manila filing a diplomatic protest and summoning the Chinese ambassador to Manila for explanations.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are claiming parts of the South China Sea. China claims nearly the whole South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the other claimants, and has been getting more aggressive in asserting its claim.
All, except Brunei, have stationed troops in the respective islands they are claiming. The Philippines uses West Philippine Sea to refer to areas it claims in the South China Sea.
A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in a case brought by the Philippines rejected China’s sweeping claims over the disputed waters, saying its so-called nine-dash line had no legal or historical basis. Beijing, however, refused to honor the arbitral ruling and insisted on bilateral talks to address the maritime territorial issue.
‘WRONG WORDS’
Early this week, China summoned the Philippine ambassador to Beijing to lodge a protest and warned Manila “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement congratulating Lai Ching-te on his recent election as president in the self-ruled island.
Taiwanese voters elected Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party in last week’s election, defying stark warnings from Beijing and its ruling Communist Party.
Beijing branded Lai and his party as a threat to peace as they are working to enable Taiwan’s independence.
The remarks made by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning did not sit well with the Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro who on Wednesday accused the official of insulting Marcos, stooping to what he called “low and gutter-level talk.”
Following Teodoro’s statement, Mao Ning urged the Philippines to adhere to the One China principle and stop the “wrong words and deed” regarding Taiwan, which it considers as a renegade province.
“China will never accept anyone making provocations on the Taiwan question, and we will fight back,” the spokesperson said in Beijing.
The Department of Foreign Affairs already issued a statement reaffirming Manila’s commitment to the One China policy after Marcos’ remark.
‘WE WILL FIGHT’
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers slammed China for assailing President Marcos, saying “we are not your subjects and our country is not a vassal state that owes allegiance to China.”
“Do not treat us like one, not even in your wildest dreams and imagination,” Barbers said. You cat as if you own the Philippines and you even want to water cannon our mouths. You don’t have an iota of sovereignty here and now you want to stop us from expressing our thoughts?” he said in mixed English and Filipino.
Barbers said Filipinos have always been known for their ferocious love for freedom, adding that history proves that Filipinos rise to the occasion whenever the need to defend the mother land arises.
“Make no mistake about it, we will fight to keep our freedom, independence and our rights as a sovereign nation. Whoever threatens our free existence, we shall fight against and resist to the last man,” he said.
Senior deputy speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga) said the President’s gesture of goodwill towards the Taiwanese leader “aligns with our country’s diplomatic principles and commitment to fostering positive international relations.”
“President Marcos, as the elected leader of our sovereign nation, holds the prerogative to extend congratulations and foster amicable relations with global leaders,” he said.
Gonzales said the President’s congratulatory message to the Taiwan leader should not be misconstrued as a deviation from the Philippines’ established foreign policies.
He said the Philippines values its diplomatic relationship with China “and remains committed to mutual respect and understanding.” However, he said it must be stressed that “fostering friendly ties with neighboring countries and acknowledging their leadership does not equate to ‘playing with fire’, as the foreign ministry put it.”
Gonzales reiterated the Philippines’ adherence to international diplomatic norms and its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with all nations, including both China and Taiwan.
“The strength of our nation lies in our ability to engage with the world with dignity, respect, and a clear understanding of our national interests,” he said.
SURVEY WELCOMED
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año yesterday welcomed the result of a recent Pulse Asia survey that showed 79 percent of Filipinos want the Marcos administration to work with the United States amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea.
“We appreciate the trust and confidence our countrymen place in our strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts,” said Año, who is also the chairman of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.
“We thank the public for their support underscoring the significance of fostering international partnerships,” added Año, a former chief of the Armed Forces.
The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from December 3 to 7, also showed 43 percent of the respondents want the government to work with Australia and Japan (42 percent).
The US, Australia and Japan are among the many countries supporting the Philippine interest in the West Philippine Sea. US and Australian armed forces separately conducted joint patrols with the Philippine military in the West Philippine Sea last month and this month.
“This affirmation (survey) not only reinforces the correctness of our position but also highlights the shared commitment to safeguarding our nation’s interests in the global arena,” said Año.
Año stressed that the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea “remains dedicated to upholding our nation’s sovereignty and territorial rights.”
“We will continue working towards peaceful and diplomatic solutions, reinforcing alliances with like-minded nations, and ensuring the safety and security of our maritime domain,” said Año. — With Wendell Vigilia, Victor Reyes and Reuters
