MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated on Wednesday that while there has been no decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with China, the relationship is currently experiencing turbulence due to ongoing disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, the tensions arise from China's continuous harassment of Filipino fishermen and attempts to obstruct the Philippines from exercising its rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Speaking at a lunch meeting with reporters in Manila, Manalo highlighted the efforts of the Philippines to assert its maritime rights, which he believes are central to the rising tensions. "These actions have been a cause for raising tensions; we are merely trying to assert our rights. And unfortunately, we're being hampered in doing so," he explained.
Despite these challenges, the DFA is actively seeking to engage with China through dialogue and diplomatic channels. The goal is to manage and possibly de-escalate tensions without compromising the Philippines' sovereignty over its territorial waters. Manalo revealed plans to convene the next Philippine-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea later this year in the Philippines, marking the first undersecretary-level meeting since the previous BCM in Shanghai on January 17.
Manalo acknowledged the difficulties in managing the bilateral relationship, noting that "in many ways, China's not really helping us to do so." However, he affirmed the Philippine commitment to seeking diplomatic resolutions, acknowledging that while immediate agreement on all issues is unlikely, finding ways to manage tensions is imperative.
In light of ongoing maritime disputes, Manalo mentioned that the Philippines had proposed various measures to reduce tensions, including enhancing access to Scarborough Shoal and developing fisheries. He emphasized the importance of processing any proposals through proper channels, ensuring they receive the necessary approvals from the highest authorities. The Secretary also clarified that under the Marcos administration, no agreements or proposals regarding Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal had been finalized, countering any claims of settled agreements by China.