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 occupying the area.
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including the parts claimed by Manila as the West Philippine Sea, as well as those of Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
In 2016, the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China’s sweeping claim in the disputed water under its so-called nine dash line, saying it has no legal or historical basis but Beijing refused to abide by the arbitral ruling.
UN ASSEMBLY
President Marcos Jr. is skipping the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this month but will be represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo “who will articulate the country’s responses to global challenges, which we assert should be resolved within the framework of peace and cooperation enshrined in the UN Charter,” said Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez.
Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the country is among 20 nations that plan to talk to China on the sidelines of the UNGA.
Romualdez said the Philippines wants to convey the message that it, along with other countries, disapprove of China’s dangerous activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The UNGA meets in regular sessions from September to December each year, discussing specific issues through dedicated agenda items or sub-items, which lead to the adoption of resolutions. — With Jocelyn Montemayor and Victor Reyes
MILITARY DRILLS
The Armed Forces discussed with visiting Indian Defense Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane military exercises between Filipino and Indian troops.
Aramane visited the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday and was received by AFP vice chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and other senior military officials.
“Discussions during the visit focused on enhancing bilateral defense relations, exploring opportunities for joint training and exercises, and sharing best practices in addressing common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said yesterday.
The Philippines and India do not have a visiting forces agreement which will provide legal framework to the conduct of military exercises.
Trinidad said Aramane’s visit highlighted the “deepening defense and security partnership between the Philippines and India, underscoring shared commitments to regional stability and cooperation.”
“Lt. Gen. Cordura expressed appreciation for the growing partnership with India, recognizing the significant role it plays in promoting a free, open, and rules-based regional order,” he said.
