MANILA, Philippine: China and the Philippines convened a serious meeting on Tuesday to address escalating tensions following their most severe confrontation in the disputed South China Sea. This meeting came after the June 17 clash at Second Thomas Shoal, which resulted in injuries to Filipino navy personnel and damage to two military boats.
The shoal, located off the northwestern Philippines, has become a significant flashpoint in the disputed waters, which China claims almost entirely.
Despite the importance of the meeting in Manila, no major agreements were reached to prevent future incidents. Both delegations expressed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without compromising their respective positions. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reported “substantial progress” in developing measures to manage the situation, although significant differences remain.
Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro emphasized to Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong that the Philippines would persist in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty in the South China Sea. However, China did not immediately issue any statement about the talks.
The meeting did result in an agreement to improve communication during maritime emergencies and a plan to enhance cooperation between the two countries’ coast guards. Additionally, there was a proposal to convene an academic forum to foster marine scientific cooperation, though details were sparse.
Before the talks, the Philippines intended to formally request the return of seven rifles seized by the Chinese coast guard during the June 17 encounter and to seek compensation for the damages incurred. This highlights the ongoing tension and the complex nature of resolving disputes in the region.
The Bicameral Consultation Mechanism meetings, established in 2017, aim to manage conflicts peacefully. Despite these efforts, confrontations have continued, especially under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has strengthened defence ties with the United States as a counterbalance to China. The South China Sea is also claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, all of which have overlapping interests due to its rich fishing areas and potential undersea gas deposits.
Sporadic confrontations between Chinese forces and those of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have occurred, but these nations have generally avoided aggressive actions against China to preserve economic relations. In contrast, under Marcos, the Philippines has taken a more confrontational approach, publicizing aggressive Chinese actions through videos and photographs and involving journalists in coast guard patrols.
The United States, while not having any claims in the South China Sea, has deployed warships and fighter jets to ensure freedom of navigation and support allies like the Philippines and Japan. Following the June confrontation, the U.S. reiterated its commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty to defend the Philippines if attacked, including in the South China Sea.
President Marcos clarified that the recent Chinese actions did not activate the treaty as no shots were fired but reaffirmed the Philippines’ resolve to defend its territorial interests. This ongoing dispute underscores the volatile nature of the South China Sea and the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play.
