MANILA, Philippine: The Philippines is actively pursuing talks with China to address a recent violent clash between their naval forces in the South China Sea.
On June 17, Chinese coast guard personnel thwarted a Filipino navy attempt to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship at Second Thomas Shoal.
This incident marks a significant escalation in ongoing confrontations as Beijing asserts its claims over vast stretches of the strategically vital waterway.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo expressed Manila’s commitment to dialogue during a Philippine senate hearing, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy despite the challenges posed by such serious incidents. The Philippines aims to convene the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in early July specifically to address these recent confrontations.
In the clash, a Filipino soldier lost a finger, and Manila accused the Chinese coast guard of looting weapons and damaging boats and vital equipment. However, Beijing defended its actions, describing its coast guard’s behavior as professional and restrained, while placing blame on Manila for the clash.
Manalo disclosed that his office has engaged with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassy, conveying Manila’s concerns about the incident. The proposed July meeting seeks to establish confidence-building measures to pave the way for more substantial discussions on managing conflicts in the South China Sea peacefully.
China’s claims in the region have been a point of contention, disregarding competing claims from Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines.
China has militarized several reefs in the area, deploying coast guard vessels to assert control.
