Philippines, China hold BCM on West Philippine Sea

The Philippines and China are holding a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting on January 16 to discuss recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, including possible cooperation between their coast guards.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed that Manila will raise its concerns over Beijing's coast guard vessel within the country’s exclusive economic zone during the meeting.

Manalo assured reporters that potential areas for cooperation, such as positive activities and memorandums of understanding involving their coast guards, would be discussed.

Philippine diplomats, led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, are currently in Xiamen for preliminary talks and will lead the main consultative meeting with her Chinese counterpart on Thursday.

The National Security Council earlier stated that the Philippines is not tolerating illegal activities by Chinese maritime forces within its waters.