Philippines, China set up presidential hotline on South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China have signed an agreement raising to the highest level the officials who may use an emergency hotline concerning incidents in the South China Sea, involving presidential offices and foreign ministries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms” – signed during talks held in Manila on July 2 following a violent confrontation at Ayungin Shoal – would provide various “channels for communication” between the two nations, specifically on maritime issues.

The hotline talks could also be done through the DFA and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including foreign minister and vice foreign ministers or their designated representatives.

Coast Guard channels will be established following a corresponding memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two sides.

The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement.

In August, the DFA expressed disappointment that it was unable to reach its Chinese counterpart through the maritime communication mechanism for several hours while the China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and Chinese militia vessels blocked and water cannoned two Philippine boats on a routine supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

China did not reciprocate, with the same sense of urgency, the communications initiated by the Philippines as has been demonstrated by the Philippines when receiving communications initiated by the Chinese side.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China and the Philippines discussed improving maritime communication mechanism, promoting dialogue between the coast guards of the two countries and advancing cooperation in marine science and technology and environmental protection during the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on July 2.

The two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea, in particular, on handling the situation at Ayungin Shoal. China’s illegal and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea has sparked international condemnation.

Foreig