Philippines President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, has announced that China has agreed to hold talks about fishing rights in the South China Sea, as he called for a “direct communication line” with Beijing to resolve maritime differences.
Marcos has asked the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Foreign Affairs to prepare a map of fishing grounds, which will be presented to China during the talks.
“The overall priority is to safeguard our maritime territory,” Marcos said while speaking to reporters on a flight to Washington.
He also emphasized the need for a direct communication line with China to avoid incidents like the recent confrontation between the two countries near the Philippines-held Second Thomas Shoal.
Marcos expressed concerns over the incident, stating that it could lead to casualties on both sides.
China’s embassy in Manila did not immediately comment on the announcement.
The United States has urged China to stop harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, while Beijing has expressed its willingness to resolve maritime differences with friendly consultations with countries concerned, warning the US against interference.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including areas within the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
An international arbitral ruling in 2016 dismissed China’s claims, including its “nine-dash line” on maps that stretches more than 1,500 km off its mainland.
As tensions rise in the region, the Philippines’ efforts to resolve maritime disputes through peaceful dialogue and negotiations with China are commendable.
The establishment of a direct communication line could serve as a vital tool for avoiding misunderstandings and preventing incidents that could escalate into violence.
