At the latest Bilateral Consultative Mechanism meeting held in Shanghai on Wednesday, senior officials from both countries agreed to “further improve maritime communication and seek through consultations to better manage maritime emergencies, especially the situation at Ren’ai Reef.” They agreed to “manage differences of opinion appropriately.” said the Chinese pronunciation, using the Chinese name of Second Thomas Reef.
“[The two sides] “We will continue to promote practical cooperation in the maritime domain in order to create favorable conditions for the healthy and stable development of China-Philippines relations,” the statement said.
04:30
Philippines sets up ‘Game Changer’ surveillance base on disputed South China Sea island
Philippines sets up ‘Game Changer’ surveillance base on disputed South China Sea island
During “candid and in-depth” negotiations, both sides agreed that it is in both countries’ interests to maintain stability in the South China Sea and that maintaining communication is critical to achieving that.
The South China Sea and Taiwan may be twin powder kegs, but which is more risky?
The South China Sea and Taiwan may be twin powder kegs, but which is more risky?
The Chinese government considers the autonomous island to be part of China, and believes it must be unified by force if necessary, and strongly opposes any formal contact between Taiwan and foreign governments.
Most countries, including the United States and the Philippines, do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, but the United States opposes any attempt to occupy Taiwan by force, and the Philippines, which is only 90 miles from Taiwan, is It is stated as follows: Concerns about tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
According to a statement from the Chinese side, during Wednesday’s talks, the Chinese government made “solemn representations to the Philippine side” regarding the Taiwan issue, and Manila “reiterated its firm adherence to the one-China policy.”
Relations between China and Manila have shifted significantly away from the pro-China axis of his predecessor, President Rodrigo Duterte, and closer to treaty allies such as the United States, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and other “like-minded countries.” It has gotten worse since last year. Canada.
Marcos also said diplomatic efforts with China were heading in the “bad direction” and that a “paradigm shift” was needed in how the South China Sea dispute was handled.
02:41
Marcos Jr. says China is interested in South China Sea atolls near the Philippines
Marcos Jr. says China is interested in South China Sea atolls near the Philippines
The risk of conflict has increased in recent months near the disputed Second Thomas Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. China’s coast guard has repeatedly blocked Philippine resupply missions to the outpost of the aging Sierra Madre warship, which the Philippines purposely ran aground in 1999 to strengthen its sovereignty claims over the Spratly Islands.
The Philippine coast guard accused China of firing water cannons and ramming the supply ship, while the Chinese coast guard claimed the Philippine ship intentionally rammed its own vessel.
Frequent clashes, sometimes accompanied by collisions, could escalate into a broader conflict in the South China Sea, disrupting global maritime trade and potentially involving the United States, which has reaffirmed its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines. There are concerns. This will extend to any armed attack in disputed waters.
Philippines to strengthen military ties amid China-China “Group-level talks”: Minister
Philippines to strengthen military ties amid China-China “Group-level talks”: Minister
In an interview with Bloomberg on Wednesday, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines is planning “more intense” military operations with the United States and its allies in the face of a “more aggressive” China. said.
He also urged the United States not to waver in its defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific region ahead of the important elections in November.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday that the Philippines’ alliance with these countries “should not undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea.”