MANILA (UPDATED) – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expressed hope on Tuesday that Chinese officials would engage in discussions to establish a new agreement in the West Philippine Sea following renewed tensions between the two nations this week.
This statement from the PCG coincided with remarks from the National Maritime Council, which emphasized that the Philippines remains dedicated to diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
Two PCG vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, suffered significant damage on Monday during pre-dawn collisions with Chinese vessels, which the Philippines described as “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” near Escoda Shoal.
“We are once again hoping and praying that China will eventually realize na itong bullying — unlawful acts na ginagawa nila, of course with the pressure from the international community, would again compel China to join us in the negotiating table para magkaroon ng mas maayos na pag-uusap (so there will be a proper dialogue),” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, during an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
Manila’s security partners, including the United States, have voiced concerns and condemnation, with the U.S. Department of State referring to China’s actions as “dangerous and escalatory measures” in asserting its claims over Philippine waters.
In a statement on Tuesday, the U.S. State Department called on China “to abide by international law and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.”
Commodore Tarriela pointed out that despite past incidents, the Philippines and China were able to reach an agreement regarding resupply missions for Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in another area of the contested waters. He also confirmed that despite the damage from Monday’s incident, the PCG vessels successfully completed their mission and are now at Pag-asa Island, which is part of Palawan province.
The National Maritime Council expressed “serious concern” over China’s actions against the PCG ships, labeling them as “deliberate harassment and infringement by China against Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.” However, the council reiterated that the government remains committed to the President’s directive of pursuing a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to these disputes.
Commodore Tarriela added that the PCG vessels stationed at Pag-asa Island will proceed with resupply missions to Parola Island and other maritime features where coast guard personnel are deployed.
The Philippines has previously entered into agreements with China aimed at reducing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, a segment of the broader South China Sea that Beijing claims despite an international court ruling rejecting its claims.
China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu accused the Philippine vessels of acting “in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a glancing collision” on Monday. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the actions of the Philippine vessels “seriously violated China’s sovereignty” and warned that China “will continue to take resolute and forceful measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
In addition to the Ayungin Shoal arrangement, the Philippines and China have agreed to increase communication channels to address maritime disputes. A national security official also indicated the possibility of a new agreement with China following Beijing’s dangerous use of flares against a Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting a routine patrol over Bajo de Masinloc.