The Philippines and China will discuss South China Sea fishing rights. As he sought a “direct communication line” with Beijing on maritime disputes, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said China would discuss South China Sea fishing rights.
Marcos instructed the Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Foreign Affairs “to put together…a map of these fishing grounds” to deliver to Beijing after China promised to “sit down” and discuss Filipino fishing rights in the South China Sea.
When questioned about a recent maritime incident between the two nations, Marcos told reporters on a plane to Washington that a Philippines-China “direct communication line” must be established.
“The overall priority is to safeguard our maritime territory,” his office declared.
Manila’s Chinese embassy didn’t immediately comment.
On Friday, the Philippines accused China’s coast guard of “aggressive tactics” after a recent incident during a Philippine coast guard mission at Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint for previous clashes 105 nautical miles (195 km) off its coast.
Beijing said it was eager to resolve maritime disputes with nations of concern through peaceful dialogue but warned Washington against involvement.
“This is the kind of thing that… we’re hoping to avoid,” Marcos added. “That can cause casualties on both sides.”
China claims jurisdiction over practically the entire South China Sea with a “nine-dash line” on maps that extends more than 1,500 km (930 miles) off its mainland and cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. However, the 2016 international arbitration judgment invalidated that line.
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