Manila Bulletin
PH, China hold high-level talks on SCS issue
The Philippines and China held a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting in Beijing on September 11 to discuss issues in the South China Sea, particularly concerning Escoda Shoal.
Philippine Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized that Escoda Shoal is well within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and reaffirmed the country's consistent position.
She also explored ways to lower the tension in the area, which has seen recent reports of aggression from China against the Philippines, such as ramming and water cannon attacks.
However, no breakthrough was achieved as China, through Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, maintained that Escoda Shoal belongs to Beijing and urged the Philippines to withdraw its vessels.
Despite the continuing row, both sides agreed to continue discussions on cooperation, including hotline mechanisms, coast guard collaboration, and marine scientific and technological exchanges, to maintain peace and stability in the region.
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Philippine and Chinese envoys held diplomatic talks in Beijing to discuss and ease sea tensions, with both sides insisting on upholding their sovereignty rights over features in the South China Sea, including Sabina Shoal.
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