Philippine and Chinese diplomatic officials met in Xiamen for the 10th round of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM). Discussions focused on the ongoing territorial dispute, with Philippine officials expressing concern over the presence of Chinese Coast Guard ships near Philippine maritime zones. Despite unresolved issues, both sides committed to diplomatic dialogue and agreed to continue a provisional understanding on Philippine Armed Forces rotations in Ayungin Shoal.
FA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro meets her Chinese counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong at the BCM. PHOTO COURTESY OF DFA
Incidentally, Fujian is the hometown of the majority of Filipino-Chinese, but despite the familiar setting, sticky points remain unresolved. The two ships, with tail number 5901 and 3103, have been spotted by Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection lingering some 60-90 nautical miles off Zambales since January 4.
The Philippine government is alarmed that the movements of CCG 5901 near Zambales have not been “continuous or expeditious.” Aside from the recent presence of the Monster Ship of China in the West Philippine Sea, both sides also reviewed the recent provisional understanding they had on the rotation and reprovision missions of the Philippine Armed Forces to the troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
SOUTH CHINASEA DISPUTE PHILIPPINES CHINA DIPLOMACY
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