PN sees no de-escalation proof in WPS despite China talks

The Philippine Navy (PN) has yet to observe concrete proof of de-escalation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite recent bilateral talks with China.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for WPS, stated that the only indicator of easing tension is a decrease in the number of Chinese vessels in the country's exclusive economic zone, though it remains to be seen if this is linked to the bilateral consultation meeting (BCM).

Trinidad noted that apart from the vessel numbers, no other activities indicating changes in the behavior of the People's Liberation Army-Navy, China Coast Guard, and Chinese maritime militia vessels have been observed.

The 9th Philippine-China BCM meeting was held on July 2 in Manila, co-chaired by DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong, with the aim of defusing territorial dispute tensions.

The Philippines will maintain a non-escalatory stance and continue its regular activities, including maritime surveillance and securing Filipino fishers and national territory in the WPS.