PH reports 'good progress' on talks with China over maritime row | ABS-CBN
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PH reports 'good progress' on talks with China over maritime row
PH reports 'good progress' on talks with China over maritime row
Chinese flags wave with Philippine flags along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on November 19, 2018. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
Chinese flags wave with Philippine flags along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on November 19, 2018. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Thursday said talks on the management of maritime disputes between the Philippines and China are making progress following the resumption of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) on July 2.
MANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Thursday said talks on the management of maritime disputes between the Philippines and China are making progress following the resumption of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) on July 2.
“There was good progress. But, of course, there's still many issues….Many of the issues were discussed. And as I said, we made progress,” Manalo said on the sidelines of a joint press conference with visiting Thailand Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
“There was good progress. But, of course, there's still many issues….Many of the issues were discussed. And as I said, we made progress,” Manalo said on the sidelines of a joint press conference with visiting Thailand Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
During the July 2 BCM, the Philippines and China reiterated respective positions, with the Philippines expressing resolve in defending sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and China insisting claims on Ayungin Shoal.
During the July 2 BCM, the Philippines and China reiterated respective positions, with the Philippines expressing resolve in defending sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and China insisting claims on Ayungin Shoal.
Despite this, both parties also recognized the need to de-escalate tensions and look for ways to manage differences.
Despite this, both parties also recognized the need to de-escalate tensions and look for ways to manage differences.
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Manalo said further talks are expected.
Manalo said further talks are expected.
THAILAND'S POSITION
Maris, who just assumed office last May 3, 2024, is visiting the Philippines for the first time as the Philippines and Thailand also celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Maris, who just assumed office last May 3, 2024, is visiting the Philippines for the first time as the Philippines and Thailand also celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The visit also comes before the 6th Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which will be hosted by Thailand later this year.
The visit also comes before the 6th Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which will be hosted by Thailand later this year.
The JCBC aims to strengthen bilateral relations, explore new areas of cooperation, and tackle regional and international issues that concern both nations.
The JCBC aims to strengthen bilateral relations, explore new areas of cooperation, and tackle regional and international issues that concern both nations.
One of these issues include the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
One of these issues include the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
“I briefed the Foreign Minister on current developments in the South China Sea, and I reiterated that the Philippine position has been consistent, clear, and firmly anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. I reaffirmed the Philippines’ continued commitment to ASEAN's centrality and ASEAN’s goal of peace and stability in the region,” Manalo said.
“I briefed the Foreign Minister on current developments in the South China Sea, and I reiterated that the Philippine position has been consistent, clear, and firmly anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. I reaffirmed the Philippines’ continued commitment to ASEAN's centrality and ASEAN’s goal of peace and stability in the region,” Manalo said.
The ASEAN has so far remained neutral on escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, with some observers saying it needs to be more assertive. For Thailand, it is important to continue pursuing peaceful solutions.
The ASEAN has so far remained neutral on escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, with some observers saying it needs to be more assertive. For Thailand, it is important to continue pursuing peaceful solutions.
“On the South China Sea, I convey Thailand’s support for peaceful solutions through dialogues and diplomacy and express our readiness to work with all relevant parties to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and promote win-win cooperation, in accordance with international law,” Maris said.
“On the South China Sea, I convey Thailand’s support for peaceful solutions through dialogues and diplomacy and express our readiness to work with all relevant parties to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and promote win-win cooperation, in accordance with international law,” Maris said.
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Read More:
West Philippine Sea
South China Sea
Atinito
Philippines
US
Japan
China
DFA
Ayungin Shoal
BRP Sierra Madre
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