Philippine and Chinese Coast Guard ships are seen during a civilian resupply mission of the Atin Ito Coalition to the Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on May 16, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/file 

MANILA — The governments of China and the Philippines have agreed to work towards the de-escalation of tension in the West Philippine Sea. 

The two countries convened the 9th meeting of Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on Tuesday. 

The meeting was attended by Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

The two officials had “frank and constructive discussions” on the situation in the South China Sea, according to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Lazaro reiterated that the Philippines will continue to protect its interests and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, while also acknowledging the need to restore trust between the two countries.

Both sides also affirmed their commitment to deescalate tensions at sea “without prejudice to their respective positions”.

China and the Philippines also signed the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms, and agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation.

“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 of discussions,” the DFA added.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said China also reiterated its “sovereignty” over Nansha Qundao or the Spratly Islands, including Ren’ai Jiao or Ayungin Shoal during the meeting. It also insisted that the Philippines desist from provocative actions, despite multiple incidents of its Coast Guard consistently using water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, including ramming Philippine vessels, illegally boarding it and injuring Filipino personnel.

“The Chinese side urges the Philippine side to stop maritime infringement and provocation at once, earnestly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation, jointly manage the situation at Ren'ai Jiao with the Chinese side, promote the easing and cooling down of the maritime situation, and stabilize China-Philippines relations from further deterioration,” Huang said in a statement.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro declined to comment on the resumption of talks between the Philippines and China, but expressed optimism for the upcoming Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting dubbed as “2+2” on July 8. This is the second 2+2 meeting between the two countries.

“We are all committed to a rules-based international order, that’s why we are coming together. And they are assisting us in our capability upgrades in the Armed Forces…We were the first recipient of the official security assistance by Japan. And of course, we value that alliance,” Teodoro said.

Philippines, Japan to hold security talks in July

The Philippines has repeatedly sent notes verbale and diplomatic protests to China over the years to call out its illegal incursions and dangerous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea, but Beijing continued to harass Filipino fisherfolk operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Last month, Chinese Coast Guard ships axed, looted and rammed Philippine Navy vessels delivering fresh supplies to troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, Manila’s lone outpost in the resource-rich area.

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-- With a report from Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News