PH, China eye revival of coast guard cooperation to ease West PH Sea tensions

To sum up:

Revival of Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC): The Philippines and China are considering reviving the Duterte-era maritime cooperation initiative

Strengthening maritime communication: Both sides aim to enhance maritime communication between Manila and Beijing

Maritime dispute: Despite a 2016 ruling invalidating China’s claims, significant differences remain over areas like Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines and China are considering reviving a coast guard body to help ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The potential resumption of the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC), established during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, was discussed during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism in Manila on Tuesday, July 2, between senior diplomats from both sides.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the JCGC was signed during Duterte’s visit to China in October 2016, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation. The recent meeting focused on the bilateral body to ease maritime disputes.

“The two sides agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation between their respective coast guard authorities, including the possible resumption of the Joint Coast Guard Committee,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

Both sides also marked the need to strengthen the maritime communication mechanism in the South China Sea, as well as the possibility of marine scientific and technological cooperation.

During the meeting, Philippine and Chinese officials reiterated their respective positions on the maritime dispute, particularly regarding Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal. Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and is more than 105 nautical miles from Palawan.

“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions. There was substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but significant differences remain. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the issues,” the DFA said.

Officials reaffirmed the need to “restore trust, rebuild confidence” to create a conducive environment for dialogue and negotiations.

China urged the Philippines to cooperate to prevent the “deterioration” of bilateral ties.

“The Chinese side urges the Philippine side to stop maritime infringement and provocation at once, earnestly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation, jointly manage the situation at Ren’ai Jiao [Ayungin Shoal] with the Chinese side, promote the easing and cooling down of the maritime situation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Philippine government has filed 163 diplomatic protests against China in the Marcos administration.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, ruling in favor of the Philippines.

Despite this, China has continued to assert its claims and increase its presence in the region, leading to ongoing tensions and confrontations.