SHANGHAI: Chinese and Philippine officials have reached an agreement to enhance dialogue to address “maritime emergencies” in the South China Sea, including the contested Second Thomas Shoal.
The 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea was held in Shanghai, where both sides engaged in a “candid and in-depth exchange of views” on the situation in the South China Sea. The Second Thomas Shoal, also known as the Ren’ai Shoal, has been a focal point of recent tensions, with Manila stationing a grounded naval vessel to assert its territorial claims.
China and the Philippines emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and dialogue to ensure maritime peace and stability. Both countries expressed a commitment to improving their “maritime communication mechanism” to handle maritime emergencies effectively, particularly addressing the situation on the Ren’ai Shoal.
Manila highlighted the significance of continuous dialogue for maintaining peace and stability at sea. The two sides assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoiding the escalation of tensions. The discussions aimed to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea, and both sides agreed to handle any incidents through diplomatic means.
Recent military drills conducted by China in the South China Sea, alongside joint exercises by the United States and the Philippines, added to the heightened tensions. The diplomatic efforts come after a month of confrontations, including standoffs and collisions between vessels from China and the Philippines in disputed reefs.
