MANILA, January 17 ------ The Philippines and China agreed to continue the implementation of rotation and resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The two countries held their 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) in Xiamen, Fujian in China.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had "frank and constructive discussions" on the current South China Sea situation and other issues. “Our position is clear and consistent, but so is our willingness to engage in dialogue. We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea," the DFA said quoting Lazaro.
The agency said the Philippines and China exchanged views on the provisional understanding on the RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal and "acknowledged its positive outcomes". The two countries also agreed to continue RORE executions "to sustain the de-escalation of tensions without prejudice to respective national positions". The Philippines also raised the presence of Chinse Coast Guard ships near Zambales. "The Philippines expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, particularly the activities of CCG 5901 and CCG 3103 in Philippine maritime zones that are inconsistent with the 1982 UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act," the DFA said. The two countries also agreed to "reinvigorate the platform for coast guard cooperation". "The two sides also identified ocean meteorology as an area of focus for a workshop on marine scientific cooperation," the agency added.
The DFA noted that Lazaro stressed during the discussions that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the country's commitment to the "peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy." The Philippines will host the next meeting at a later date, according to the agency.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
Comments