The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Tuesday (July 2) announcing that the Philippines and China had held talks on the South China Sea issue. Both sides agreed to “ease tensions in the South China Sea,” acknowledging that “significant differences still exist,” but also noting “substantial progress” in controlling the tense situation.
In the ninth meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea between the Philippines’ Undersecretary Theresa P. Lazaro and China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong in Manila, the two sides expressed their commitment to continue dialogue and negotiations through mechanisms like the BCM to manage contradictions and differences.
The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs statement mentioned that on Tuesday, both parties engaged in “frank and constructive discussions,” agreeing on the need to “rebuild trust” and “reestablish confidence” for better management of maritime disputes.
The statement outlined, “Both parties discussed their respective positions on Second Thomas Shoal and reiterated their commitment to easing tensions without compromising their positions.” It added that “both parties agreed to continue discussions to find mutually acceptable solutions to issues.”
The statement also noted, “Given recent events in the South China Sea, both parties recognize the need to rebuild trust, restore confidence, and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interactions,” while acknowledging that “significant differences still exist.”
Last month, the Philippines and China were involved in a violent clash in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. While both countries have long-standing maritime disputes in the region, the events of last month marked one of the most serious escalations in confrontations.
On June 17, Chinese coast guard personnel armed with knives, sticks, and axes surrounded and boarded three Philippine Navy vessels while the Philippine ships were en route to Second Thomas Shoal for resupply mission.
During the clash, a Filipino sailor lost a finger, with Manila accusing the Chinese coast guard of robbing firearms from the ships and damaging three Philippine vessels along with their navigation and communication equipment.
Beijing maintained that its coast guard acted “professionally and with restraint,” shifting blame for the conflict onto the Philippine side.
In 1999, the Philippines intentionally grounded the naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre in Second Thomas Shoal, where a small contingent of Philippine soldiers is stationed aboard the rusting ship to assert Manila’s sovereignty over the area.
China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, disregarding the partial exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as the ruling of international tribunals.
The actions of China in the South China Sea have been met with numerous diplomatic protests from the Philippines. In previous standoffs near disputed islands and reefs, the Chinese coast guard employed water cannons and military-grade laser attacks against Filipino vessels, leading to collisions with Philippine resupply ships and their escort vessels.
Manila continues to seek broad international support for its maritime claims, aiming to establish closer ties with other nations and advocate for the creation of a rules-based international order that upholds international law.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled that China’s expansive claims had no legal basis. However, China maintains that its actions in the South China Sea are lawful and professional, rejecting any claims or actions based on that ruling.
The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated in the statement, “The Philippines will relentlessly protect its interests and maintain its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.”