Philippines, China to improve maritime communication

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China have discussed improving maritime communication mechanisms and promoting dialogue between their coast guards, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.

Representatives of the two countries arrived at the consensus during the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday.

China’s foreign ministry said the two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea, particularly on handling the situation in Ayungin Shoal.

Aside from improving maritime communication mechanisms, the two countries also agreed to advance cooperation in marine science and technology and environmental protection.

Although seen as responsible for provoking confrontations at sea, China has called on the Philippines to stop maritime infringement and provocation and to jointly manage the situation in Ayungin Shoal with the Chinese to pave the way for easing of tension and restoring stability of China-Philippines relations.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, for her part, made it clear to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong that the Philippines would remain relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

The United States said it welcomes China’s latest peace overtures but doubts Beijing’s sincerity, saying its “actions speak louder than words,” especially in the Ayungin Shoal issue.

On Tuesday, Beijing deployed its massive coast guard vessel with body number 5901 – called “The Monster” – to Ayungin Shoal.

US welcomes deescalation

State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the US welcomes any efforts to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea but warned about China’s destabilizing actions in the region.

“But specifically in this context, I think when it comes to the PRC (People’s Republic of China), actions speak louder than words, specifically for our partners in the Philippines, when we’re talking about the Second Thomas Shoal and some of the destabilizing actions that the PRC has taken in that region,” Patel said,