MANILA - The Philippines and China are set to expand their communication mechanisms on the South China Sea to include presidential representatives and top diplomats, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Tuesday night. This initiative will involve a new level of dialogue between the presidential representatives and the secretaries of foreign affairs from both nations, aiming to improve interactions and prevent conflicts in the disputed waters.
According to Philippine News Agency, the enhancement of communication channels is part of the 'Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms' signed on July 2. This agreement was reached during the 9th Philippine-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting, shortly after a tense incident in the Ayungin Shoal on June 17, involving the Chinese Coast Guard. The upgraded communication lines will include direct exchanges between the designated representatives of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Additional channels will feature interactions between the DFA and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at both the ministerial and vice-ministerial levels.
The DFA disclosed that following the finalization of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries' foreign affairs departments, a specific mechanism will be activated to facilitate direct communication between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Chinese Coast Guard. The department also mentioned ongoing discussions with Chinese officials regarding the operational guidelines for implementing the new arrangement. This initiative builds upon a previous mechanism established during a 2023 bilateral meeting between the two presidents, designed to prevent incidents in the region.