Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 20) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he sees a bit of progress in talks with China regarding Filipinos’ fishing rights despite reports that the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) continues to affect the livelihood of local fishermen.
Marcos made the statement when asked for updates on the discussions, particularly following reports that a Chinese navy ship recently tailed and “challenged” a Philippine vessel in the vicinity of the Filipino-held Pag-asa Island.
“‘Yung latest na report ay sinundan nalang. Hindi na kagaya ng dati na talagang hinaharang [On the latest report, the Chinese ship just tailed the Filipino vessel. It’s not the same as before where China outright blocks the vessel],” Marcos told reporters.
“We are making some progress on that regard,” he added.
Marcos said his administration continues to talk to China, including whenever a fishing ban is declared in parts of the WPS.
Earlier, the president bared his administration is putting together a map of fishing grounds in the contested waters that it would propose to Beijing. He said the East Asian giant has agreed to sit down and discuss the matter.
“These things do not come very quickly,” Marcos said. “Slowly, slowly, but we are slowly making progress because the key to that was really the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government.”
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