The age-long maritime dispute between Beijing and Manila may be the subject of discussion soon. According to President Ferdinand Marcos jr., China has accepted the request to discuss the fishing rights of Filipinos in the South China Sea, also known as the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos also stated that he has instructed the country’s coast security, known as the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs “to put together a map of these fishing grounds”. He said that the idea was to present to China a marked map of the disputed areas during the discussions.
When questioned about a recent maritime incident between the two nations, Marcos also stated in talks to reporters while en route to Washington that a “direct communication line” between the Philippines and China must finally be established.
Earlier on Friday, the Philippines accused Beijing of using “aggressive tactics”. An incident had ensued during a patrol by Chinese coast guards near the Philippines territory called Second Thomas Shoal.
Second Thomas Shoal is 105 nautical miles (195 km) off its coast. It has come to be referred to as a center of unceasing conflict between the two countries.
China has been relentless in its pursuit of the disputed area. For this reason, the US has reacted, asking China to desist from harassing Philippine vessels sailing through the disputed sea areas.
In response, China said it was pursuing a peaceful resolution to the dispute with the Philippines and warned the US not to interfere in its affairs.
China asserts ownership of the entire South China Sea, which encroaches on the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia and stretches more than 1,500 km (930 miles) off the Chinese mainland.
On January 22, 2013, the Philippines filed a complaint in Manila for a territorial and maritime dispute in the South China Sea, against the People’s Republic of China. Beijing’s claim was rejected as having no legal foundation in a 2016 international arbitral decision.
