VANFINALLY, the Philippines and China have come to mutual terms in peacefully handling the maritime issues that tend to strain the relations between the two countries.
Reports have it that high-ranking representatives of both countries recently agreed to improve maritime communication. They also agreed to properly address and manage conflicts and differences through ‘friendly talks’ particularly when it comes to issues concerning the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea.
The deal was struck when Nong Rong, China’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Philippines Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro, held a meeting.
Described as ‘frank and in-depth’, the exchange of views on the maritime situation happened while both officials were serving as co-chairs in the 8th meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai.
Based on statements released by the Chinese and Philippine foreign ministries on January 17, 2024, both officials have expressed belief that “maintaining communication and dialogue is essential to maintaining maritime peace and stability.”
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said both sides actually agreed to calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy, adding that both sides actually presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions.”
On the other hand, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement that the South China Sea dispute is “not the whole story of bilateral relations.”
In summation, 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.
The two officials took the right step toward resolving the issues being raised by both parties in the most professional manner possible.
It is undeniable that the Philippines and China, in recent days, have had conflicts about the disputed waters.
As I have stated time and again, there is no other way to iron out the kinks but for both parties to let their representatives sit down and talk things out.
Fiery statements that only tend to fuel more dissension will not in any way help address the conflict.
The long standing relations between both countries must not be anchored on the maritime issue alone.
Indeed, congratulations are in order for the two representatives from the Philippines and China for their efforts to talk things through.
