Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The Philippines and China have agreed to start talks on possible academic exchanges on marine scientific research between Filipino and Chinese nationals.
Both sides have also agreed to improve their maritime communication mechanisms, including communication between their foreign ministries, amid continuous tension in the South China Sea.
Previously, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed disappointment that the direct communication mechanism did not work in August 2023 when China hit Philippine vessels with a water cannon in the waters.
The developments in the bilateral ties between the two countries came as both sides convened in Shanghai on Wednesday for the 8th Bilateral Communication Mechanism on the South China Sea, with the goal of easing tension in the waters.
The meeting followed through the agreement already reached by President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023 and between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
During the meeting, diplomats from both sides’ delegation had ”frank and productive discussions” to de-escalate the situation in the contested waterway, a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday, Jan. 18.
They also came to an understanding that both must “calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy.”
“They also agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea. Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions,” DFA said.
DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro led the Philippine delegation while China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong led the Chinese side.
Meanwhile, at the media party of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Ambassador Huang Xilian expressed hope that the Philippines and China would “meet halfway” and effectively address maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation.
Huang also urged both sides to “uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as the positive development of bilateral relations.”
“China-Philippines relations now stand at a crossroads, facing a choice of where to go from here,” Huang said.
“As close neighbors that cannot be moved away, China and the Philippines have every reason to respect each other and live in harmony,” he added.
Huang also said he is hoping that the Philippines would steer a right course for its relations with China and work to bring the bilateral relations back on the right track “as soon as possible.”
— Joseph Pedrajas
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
