AFTER a long postponement, the sixth meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS) was convened between the Philippines and China on May 21, with the former as host.
The BCM is a two-way forum established by President Duterte and President Xi Jinping during their 2016 meeting. It was envisioned as a platform for dialogue on the expanding mutual relationship between their two countries, serving as a confidence-building process for both sides to manage and address differences, to promote practical maritime cooperation and environmental protection, as well as enhance mutual trust and confidence.
Foreign Affairs Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Elizabeth P. Buensuceso and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao led their respective delegations. The Philippines was represented by officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Security Council, Department of National Defense, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as other key agencies.
The two sides had friendly and candid exchanges on the general situation and specific issues of concern in the SCS/WPS. There was mutual recognition of the importance of dialogue in easing tensions and understanding each country’s position and intentions in the area.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of addressing differences in an atmosphere of openness and cordiality to pave the way for practical cooperation and initiatives. The Philippines reiterated its long-standing call for full respect and adherence to international law—including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, as well as its authoritative interpretation and application: the final and binding 2016 SCS/WPS Arbitral Award.
The Philippines highlighted the progress made in the settlement of the allision issue involving a Filipino fishing boat and a Chinese vessel. The DOJ will take the lead in seeking just compensation for the victims in next month’s negotiations.
Encouraged by the positive momentum in the bilateral relations of the two countries, the BCM’s three working groups: political-security, fisheries cooperation, and marine environmental protection/marine scientific research, tackled common issues and possible areas of cooperation.
Buensuceso emphasized the importance of other complementary bilateral and multilateral platforms in maintaining regional peace and stability, such as the Asean-China Dialogue Relations, the Asean Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit.
Both sides reiterated the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the SCS/WPS, and their commitment to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the contested body of water.
The Philippines currently serves as country coordinator of the Asean-China dialogue mechanism. DFA