PH, China agree on direct communication to prevent West PH Sea incidents

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to establish a direct communication mechanism to prevent misunderstandings and incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

This agreement, announced during Marcos' state visit to Beijing, aims to bolster confidence-building measures and improve mutual trust between the two nations.

The communication line will be operational between the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and China's Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs.

President Marcos proposed elevating the bilateral communication to a ministerial level, ensuring direct contact with him and his delegation for clearer communication.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of the Foreign Ministry and Consultations and the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the West Philippine Sea.

They reaffirmed the significance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The Declaration, signed in 2002 by China and ASEAN member states, calls for parties to exercise self-restraint and avoid activities that could escalate tensions in the South China Sea.

Marcos stated that finalizing the organization of this communication mechanism will prioritize the situation of Filipino fishermen.