Metro Manila, Philippines – The proposed cooperation deal between the Philippines and China on coast guard operations remains under discussion, with no set timeline for its completion, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
The DFA said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be taken up in the next meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM), a platform by which Manila and Beijing manage tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“The proposed MOU is still under discussion. This will be part of the BCM to be held soon. No date yet,” the DFA said.
Last year, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said both sides were working toward an agreement between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) to address operational issues and prevent incidents at sea.
However, a PCG official said the agency is not directly involved in crafting the proposed cooperation, particularly on any plans for joint patrols.
“As far as the PCG is concerned, based on my last conversation with the Commandant, we are not involved in crafting this coast guard cooperation with China,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela.
The Philippines and China continue to engage through the BCM, one of the few remaining communication channels between the two sides amid recurring maritime incidents.
Manila is expected to host the next round of talks, which may include discussions on recent encounters in disputed waters, including Bajo de Masinloc.
