ezwin DFA to tackle WPS row at Bilateral Consultation Mechanism in Xiamen

MANILA, Philippines — Diplomats of the Philippines and China are expected to tackle the West Philippine Sea row, including recent developments and issues, as well as the “possible cooperation” between the coast guards of the two nations at the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea presently being held in China.

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said he does not want to prejudge what the outcome of the BCM will be.

“But what I can say is that they will, of course, be discussing the situation in the region, the South China Sea, in the West Philippine Sea, including the recent developments, and, of course, other issues which have been under discussion for some time, which are aimed at seeing how we can cooperate in certain areas, such as in the environment, and even possible cooperation between the coast guards the Philippines and China,” said Manalo.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PH, China ministers talk de-escalation – but ‘Monster’ back in EEZ

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Court orders arrest of 29 cops involved in mishandling P6.7B shabu case NEWSINFO OVP says it has no approved budget for medical, burial assistance NEWSINFO SC affirms guilty verdict on man who used identity of deceased lawyer

While he did not categorically answer whether or not the Philippine side will specifically demand, during the BCM, that China pull out its “monster” ship in Philippine waters, Manalo simply said: “We will certainly raise the concerns we have, including that.”

Philippine diplomats, headed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Ma. Theresa Lazaro, are presently in Xiamen, China to meet their Chinese counterparts for another BCM.

Article continues after this advertisement

In the same interview, Manalo was asked what the Philippines and China intended to achieve with the proposed establishment of coast guard to coast guard cooperation.

“Well, we hope to establish means of cooperation and undertaking, let’s say, positive activities, but that will have to be agreed [upon] in a memorandum of understanding between the two. But it’s cooperative in nature, of course,” said Manalo.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.ezwin

READ NEXT DFA to tackle WPS row at Bilateral Consultation Mechanism in X... Gatchalian to start inquiry on comprehensive sexuality education EDITORS' PICK Kanlaon Volcano emits more sulfur dioxide compared to past day Sinulog 2025: Concerns over alleged unfair judging raised CA upholds SEC order for Juluis A Nolasco's NWorld to stop selling securities Court orders arrest of 29 cops involved in mishandling P6.7B shabu case Marcos signs into law bill promoting development of natural gas industry Celebrating excellence of JC Organic Barley as best supplement of the year MOST READ Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as it reverses open-door policy OVP says it has no approved budget for medical, burial assistance Court orders arrest of 29 cops involved in mishandling P6.7B shabu case BMI: Peso fall below 60 vs $1 still possible Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments