The Philippines has made clear that its position is clear and consistent and so its genuine willingness to engage in dialogue with China on South China Sea issues.
“Our position is clear and consistent, but so is our willingness to engage in dialogue. We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea,” said Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro stated in her opening remarks at the 10th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on Thursday, January 16, in Xiamen, Fujian, China.
China was represented by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong. Both officials engaged in frank and constructive discussions on the situation in the South China Sea and other bilateral issues.
The two sides exchanged views on the Provisional Understanding of the Philippines’ rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. They acknowledged its positive outcomes and agreed to continue its implementation to sustain the de-escalation of tensions without prejudice to respective national positions.
The Philippines expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, particularly the activities of CCG 5901 and CCG 3103 in Philippine maritime zones, which are inconsistent with the 1982 UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
The meeting also agreed to reinvigorate the platform for coast guard cooperation. Additionally, the two sides identified ocean meteorology as a focus area for a workshop on marine scientific cooperation.
Undersecretary Lazaro emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
