PH, China address tensions over Escoda Shoal in high-level talks
Metro Manila, Philippines— The Philippines and China held bilateral talks on Wednesday (Sept. 11) with the two nations’ high-ranking diplomats convening via a bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea in Beijing.
The high-level talks, which focused on maritime issues, particularly those surrounding Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal), were attended by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro for the Philippines and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong for China.
The Philippine government told China that Escoda Shoal is within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). During talks with her Chinese counterparts, Lazaro also reiterated the Philippines’ consistent position and explored ways to lower the tension in the area.
“Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation,” the DFA said in a statement.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing has urged the Philippine side to withdraw its ships from Escoda Shoal.
“China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and the seriousness and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” the ministry asserted.
The Philippine government had previously filed a diplomatic protest expressing its displeasure over a series of ramming incidents at Escoda Shoal, which lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that its ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, suffered damage after being rammed three times by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel in the West Philippine Sea on August 31.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been on an "extended patrol" in the area since April, following reports of Chinese activities around the shoal.
“We have made the necessary approaches to China through various means to express our complaints and displeasure,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
According to the PCG, the ship was specifically deployed in April to monitor Chinese activities at the shoal.
“The main reasons why the Chinese government is agitated by the presence of the Teresa Magbanua are: first, it has been stationed there for an extended period; second, they obviously do not want a coast guard vessel documenting their activities; and third, strategically, Escoda Shoal is crucial for defense,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela.
Tarriela added that the shoal serves as a meeting point for Philippine ships ahead of resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
“If the Chinese government succeeds in taking over Sabina Shoal again, it will be very difficult for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to carry out resupply operations to BRP Sierra Madre,” Tarriela warned.
