DFA: No breakthrough in PH-China talks on Escoda Shoal issue

THE Philippines and China maintained their respective stands on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea called Escoda Shoal or Sabina Shoal by Manila, and Xianben Reef by Beijing, during the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) in China Wednesday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had a “frank and candid exchange of views” with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong but did not reach a breakthrough on how to resolve the issue.

“Emphasizing that Escoda Shoal is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Undersecretary Lazaro reaffirmed the consistent position of the Philippines and explored ways to lower the tension in the area,” the DFA said.

Despite the frank discussions, the DFA said, Manila and Beijing also agreed to “continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation.”

“Both sides also reaffirmed the BCM as a forum for promoting maritime dialogue and enhancing bilateral cooperation while agreeing to continue engagement through diplomatic channels,” the DFA added.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Escoda Shoal issue, including the repeated ramming by Chinese coast guard ships of Philippine vessels, are among thorny issues that will be tackled in the BCM.

Escoda Shoal is some 75 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan, well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

China’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a separate statement, said it reiterated its position that Xianben Reef is part of its territorial waters. It also urged Manila to withdraw its ships in the area.

“China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and the seriousness and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” it added.

The last BCM was hosted by Manila last July.

Out of the July BCM came a “provisional agreement” to deescalate tension and prevent clashes at Ayungin Shoal where the Philippine Navy maintains a small detachment aboard the ship BRP Sierra Madre.

Sierra Madre was grounded in the shoal in 1999 to prevent China from