Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs said ongoing discussions between the Philippine and China coast guards are limited in scope and do not include sensitive operations such as joint patrols, amid public concern over maritime cooperation with Beijing.
In a statement, the DFA clarified that talks are focused on updating a 2016 agreement that established a Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard.
The proposed amendments aim to revive the committee as a formal communication channel between the two sides, the agency said.
“The proposed amendments are limited in scope. They are focused on re-establishing the Joint Coast Guard Committee, which is intended to serve as a formalized channel of communication between the two coast guards,” the DFA said.
It emphasized that the agreement does not cover cooperation in operationally sensitive areas.
“The MOU does not contemplate cooperation in sensitive operational areas, joint patrols foremost among them,” the statement added.
The DFA said the discussions are consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain open lines of communication with China, even as the Philippines continues to assert its sovereignty and maritime rights under international law.
Officials said the negotiations have been conducted through formal diplomatic channels and have been cleared with key government officials, including the National Security Adviser, the Foreign Affairs Secretary, and the Philippine Coast Guard commandant.
The agency also underscored that the talks are not limited to meetings under the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between Manila and Beijing, but are part of broader diplomatic engagement.
“The Department reaffirms that engagement and vigilance are complementary, not contradictory,” the DFA said, adding that the Philippines will continue to pursue practical cooperation while safeguarding national interests.
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 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.
