PH, China Convene 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea
PASAY 02 July 2024 – The Philippines and China convened the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) in Manila on 2 July 2024. This follows a series of working-level preparatory meetings held in Manila and builds on the outcomes of the 8th BCM, which was held in Shanghai on 17 January 2024.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had frank and constructive discussions on the situation in the South China Sea. In her comments, Undersecretary Lazaro underscored to her counterpart that the Philippines will be relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine 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 two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions. There was substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but significant differences remain. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a mutually-acceptable resolution to the issues.
Recalling the outcomes of the 8th BCM which recognized the need to strengthen the bilateral maritime communication mechanism on the South China Sea, the two sides signed the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms and agreed to discuss further how to operationalize this mechanism.
The two sides agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation between their respective coast guard authorities, including the possible resumption of the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC).
The two sides continued discussions on the possibility of convening an academic forum among scientists and academics on marine scientific and technological 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 on discussions. END