High-level diplomatic discussions between the Philippines and China are set to renew in Xiamen, a southeastern city in China, this Thursday. These talks come against the backdrop of recent Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea, an area of contention between the two nations.
enrique Manalo, the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary, revealed that China would once again host the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) sessions. This confirmation came during a press interaction on Wednesday, following his meeting with Takeshi Iwaya, the Japanese Foreign Minister, in Manila.
“Preparatory meetings for the upcoming BCM session are underway,” Manalo stated, choosing to keep specifics under wraps.“It’s premature to predict the outcomes,but naturally,the agenda includes recent developments and the ongoing situation in the south China Sea and West Philippine Sea.”
Representing the Philippines will be Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy, who serves as Manalo’s deputy. The diplomatic engagement follows Manila’s recent protest, urging Beijing to withdraw a large vessel stationed 77 nautical miles from the Philippine shoreline.
“The deployment of this so-called monster ship within our waters is simply unacceptable,” declared Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director-general at the National Security Council. “China is cornering us,” he added, suggesting that the situation could escalate into another legal dispute. “Every possible response is being considered. The proximity of this ship heightens tensions and forces us to rethink strategies.”
China, wich claims sovereignty over much of these resource-laden waters, typically avoids legal avenues in settling disputes, opting instead for direct negotiations with other nations asserting claims.
The Philippine Coast Guard has repeatedly directed Chinese ships to leave the area, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, extending 200 nautical miles from its coast.
As its inception in 2017, the BCM talks have alternated between the Philippines and China as hosts. The most recent session occurred in China last September.
Recent months have seen several skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine vessels, leading to injuries among Filipino personnel. Notably, a Philippine soldier suffered a thumb loss during a heated encounter at Ayungin Shoal in June 2024, where Chinese coast guards attacked Filipino navy personnel delivering supplies.
Moreover, Chinese forces have been accused of harassing Philippine fishermen and installing barriers at Bajo de Masinloc, which Manila claims under UN maritime conventions, but beijing insists as part of its territory.
Last July, both nations agreed on a provisional arrangement to mitigate tensions and prevent further clashes around Ayungin Shoal, which the Philippines occupies. This agreement has as allowed peaceful supply deliveries and troop rotations to the shoal, where a deliberately grounded WWII-era vessel serves as a military station.
The South China Sea, a crucial artery for global trade and shipping, is speckled with reefs and shoals harboring significant oil and mineral reserves. It is partially or wholly claimed by several nations,including the Philippines,China,vietnam,Malaysia,Brunei,and Taiwan.
to strengthen its territorial assertions, the Philippine government has rechristened parts of these waters as the West philippine Sea. China’s expansive claims have frequently led to tensions and violent confrontations with smaller claimant nations like the Philippines and Vietnam.
In July 2016, an international tribunal based in the Hague adjudicated in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea under international law. Beijing, however, dismissed the tribunal’s verdict.
Washington has consistently affirmed its steadfast alliance with the Philippines, pledging defense support in the event of an armed assault on Philippine forces, following increasingly aggressive Chinese actions in the disputed waters.
What are teh primary objectives of the Philippines for the upcoming Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) sessions in Xiamen?
Interview with Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
Archyde News: Diplomatic Dialogues in a Tense Environment
By: Editorial Team, Archyde
Archyde: Secretary Manalo, thank you for joining us today. The upcoming Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) sessions in Xiamen have garnered significant attention, especially given the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea. Can you provide some insight into the preparatory meetings and the objectives for this diplomatic engagement?
Enrique Manalo: Thank you for having me. The preparatory meetings are indeed underway, and while it’s premature to predict outcomes, our primary focus is to address recent developments in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. The BCM sessions are a structured platform for dialogue, and we aim to reaffirm our commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and mutual respect for sovereignty.
Archyde: the Philippines recently protested the presence of a large Chinese vessel 77 nautical miles from the Philippine shoreline. How will this issue be addressed during the BCM sessions?
Manalo: The deployment of this vessel within our waters is a matter of serious concern. It contravenes the principles of maritime law and regional stability. We will unequivocally express our position during the sessions, urging China to withdraw the vessel and respect Philippine sovereignty.Our goal is to ensure that such actions do not escalate tensions or undermine the trust-building efforts we’ve undertaken through the BCM.
Archyde: What role does Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro play in these discussions, and why was she chosen to represent the Philippines?
Manalo: Undersecretary Lazaro is a seasoned diplomat with extensive expertise in policy and maritime affairs. As my deputy, she brings a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand and a strategic approach to negotiation. Her presence ensures continuity in our diplomatic stance and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding national interests while fostering bilateral cooperation.
Archyde: The relationship between the Philippines and China has been marked by both cooperation and contention. How do you balance these dynamics in high-level diplomatic discussions?
Manalo: Diplomacy is inherently about balancing interests. While we acknowledge areas of cooperation, especially in trade and regional security, we cannot overlook issues that affect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. The BCM sessions are an chance to address these complexities with clarity and resolve. Our approach is guided by a principle: constructive dialogue without compromising our national interests.
Archyde: what are your expectations for the outcomes of these sessions, and how do you foresee the future of Philippine-Chinese relations?
Manalo: While I remain cautiously optimistic, the true measure of success will be tangible actions that reflect mutual respect and adherence to international norms. The future of our relations hinges on sustained dialogue and a shared commitment to regional peace. We hope that these sessions will be a step toward that end, fostering a relationship that is both resilient and reciprocal.
Archyde: Thank you, Secretary Manalo, for your insights. We look forward to following the developments from the BCM sessions in Xiamen.
Manalo: Thank you. We are committed to ensuring that these discussions contribute to a stable and prosperous region.
Editorial Notes:
The BCM sessions in Xiamen are a critical juncture in Philippine-Chinese relations, especially against the backdrop of recent maritime tensions. secretary Enrique Manalo’s measured yet assertive stance underscores the Philippines’ commitment to sovereignty and peaceful resolution. Archyde will continue to monitor the outcomes of these high-level diplomatic discussions. Stay tuned for updates.
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