PH flags 'monster ship,' explores coast guard, ocean studies in latest meeting with China
Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines and China held a "frank and constructive" discussion on South China Sea issues and explored potential cooperation during their latest bilateral meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met for the 10th Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on Thursday, Jan. 16, in Xiamen, Fujian.
"Our position is clear and consistent, but so is our willingness to engage in dialogue. We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences," Lazaro said in her opening remarks.
Manila also raised concerns about the ongoing presence of China's coast guard vessel, CCG 5901, or the “monster ship,” off the coast of Zambales. This vessel is periodically replaced by other China coast guard ships.
“The Philippines expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, particularly the activities of CCG 5901 and CCG 3103 in Philippine maritime zones, which are inconsistent with the 1982 UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” the statement added.
The government recently filed a diplomatic protest over the ship’s continued presence.
The DFA also lauded the implementation of the provisional arrangement for Ayungin Shoal, which has facilitated peaceful resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.
“The two sides exchanged views on the provisional understanding regarding the Philippines' rotation and re-provisioning missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, acknowledged its positive outcomes, and agreed to continue its implementation to sustain the de-escalation of tensions, without prejudice to respective national positions,” DFA the statement said.
Both sides also supported proposals to revive coast guard cooperation and explore ocean meteorology studies for scientific collaboration.
The Philippines and China take turns hosting the BCM talks, which began in 2017. Manila will host the next meeting later this year.
