MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated on Tuesday that the Philippines received several maritime-related proposals from China last year. However, many of these suggestions were not pursued as they did not align with the country’s interests.
“While a few proposals were deemed somewhat workable, many of the remaining Chinese proposals were determined, after a careful study, scrutiny and deliberation within the Philippine government, to be contrary to our national interests,” the department said in a statement.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), one of the proposals put forward by Beijing insisted on actions that would imply recognition of China’s control and administration over the Ayungin Shoal as part of its territory. However, the DFA emphasized that Manila could not entertain such a proposal without violating the constitution or international law, as the Ayungin Shoal falls within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
Despite Manila submitting counter proposals, China did not give them due consideration. Instead, Beijing presented its own counter proposals, which, like the previous ones, did not align with Manila’s interests, particularly regarding issues concerning the South China Sea.
The DFA’s response came after a report from the Manila Times cited a “ranking Chinese official” who claimed that the 11 concept papers presented by Beijing in April 2023 were met with inaction by the Marcos administration.
“In no way did the Philippine government ignore China’s proposals,” the DFA said,
“The DFA wishes to underscore that the Philippines is approaching these confidential negotiations with utmost sincerity and good faith. We were, therefore, surprised by China’s disclosure of sensitive details of our bilateral discussions,” it added.
Improved communication, ‘calm approach’
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) highlighted that the proposals from both countries were further deliberated upon during a bilateral consultation meeting on South China Sea matters held last January in Shanghai.
During this meeting, diplomats from the Philippines and China agreed to handle incidents in the tense waterway with diplomacy and to enhance communication between the foreign ministers and coast guards of both nations.
Recently, the Philippines reported instances of harassment, obstruction, and deployment of water cannons by China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels during a resupply mission to troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
Relations between Manila and Beijing have faced strains under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he strengthens ties with the United States and pushes back against Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea.
