MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China held a dialogue for the first time since the violent Ayungin incident and committed to “de-escalate” tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
On Tuesday, the two states met in Manila to convene the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea.
“Noting recent incidents in the South China Sea, both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence, and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong led their respective Philippine and Chinese delegations and exchanged “frank” and “constructive discussions” regarding the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea.
“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” it said.
However, measures on how the tensions would be resolved have yet to be released by the foreign affairs department.
The DFA said that the Philippines and China will remain in contact to further stabilize and facilitate “peace” in the area.
“Both sides agreed that continued dialogue on the basis of mutual respect as two equal sovereign states facilitates peace and stability at sea, and committed to having the 10th BCM in China to sustain the positive momentum on discussions,” it said.
A sea of dispute
Reports showed that eight Filipino servicemen had been injured during the hostile incident on June 17, but the National Maritime Council clarified that only one serviceman was hurt.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro earlier said that the national government will not downplay the event and told the public that they will “continue to find peaceful solutions” regarding the maritime dispute.
Recently, another encounter further aroused tensions in the West Philippine Sea after the Philippine Coast Guard rejected assertions from Chinese sources that China had offered assistance in rescuing Filipino fishermen following an explosion near Bajo de Masinloc.
Reports from China circulating online suggested that the China Coast Guard had participated in the rescue of a Philippine vessel in distress near Bajo de Masinloc.
“They struggled with editing their videos this time. Otherwise, they could have uploaded their lies immediately before I even had a chance,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.
Tarriela showed evidence that Filipino fishers received first aid from Philippine responders, not from Chinese authorities.
During the rescue operation, two boats from the Chinese Coast Guard arrived but did not assist the PCG. Instead, according to Tarriela, they hindered efforts to save two seriously injured Filipino fishermen.
Despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruling in favor of the Philippines in its territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, Filipino fishermen roaming around the area continuously experience severe violence and harassment from Chinese authorities.
