Pilipinas at Tsina muling nag-usap kaugnay ng sitwasyon sa South China Sea
Courtesy: DFA
Sinabi ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), na naging prangka at “candid” ang palitan ng saloobin nina Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro at Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong sa isinagawang pulong ng Bilateral Consultation Mechanism sa Beijing.
Muling iginiit ni Lazaro sa Chinese counterpart na ang Escoda Shoal ay nasa loob ng Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas.
Courtesy: DFA
Nagkasundo naman ang dalawang panig na ipagpatuloy ang pag-uusap sa areas of cooperation gaya ng hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, marine scientific at technological cooperation.
Sa pahayag ng DFA, “Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro had a frank and candid exchange of views with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong on managing the situation in the West Philippine Sea, including in Escoda Shoal, during a meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held in Beijing on 11 September 2024. Emphasizing that Escoda Shoal is within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, Undersecretary Lazaro reaffirmed the consistent position of the Philippines and explored ways to lower the tension in the area. Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation.Both sides also reaffirmed the BCM as a forum for promoting maritime dialogue and enhancing bilateral cooperation while agreeing to continue engagement through diplomatic channels. The last BCM, which led to a common Understanding on the Management of the Situation on the Ayungin Shoal, was held in Manila in July 2024.”
Courtesy: Chinese Embassy
Sa hiwalay na pahayag ng Tsina, muli nitong hinimok ang Pilipinas na alisin ang mga barko nito sa Escoda Shoal.
Pahayag naman ng Chinese Embassy, “The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on maritime issues, especially the issue of Xianbin Jiao, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the Chinese side reiterated its principled position and urged the Philippine side to immediately withdraw relevant vessels from Xianbin Jiao.”
Moira Encina-Cruz
