DFA seeks talks with China over WPS tensions

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is pushing for dialogue with China to address rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly following a June 17 incident where a Philippine soldier was severely injured.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo affirmed the Philippines' commitment to diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The DFA aims to bring China back to the discussion table through an existing Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.

Preparations are underway for the 9th BCM meeting, with a working group having convened last week to prepare for discussions on recent incidents.

The DFA hopes to convene the BCM meeting with Chinese counterparts in early July.

Secretary Manalo stated that the Philippines seeks to promote peace and stability without sacrificing its sovereign rights and sovereignty.

In response to the recent incidents, the DFA has sent a note verbale to China.