To prevent "miscalculation and miscommunication" in the hotly contested South China Sea, the Philippines and China will establish direct communication between their foreign ministries, Manila announced on Thursday (Dec 29).
A representative from the foreign ministry told reporters that the agreement will be inked next week when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos travels to Beijing and meets with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Following a report that China has begun reclaiming some empty land features near the Spratly Islands, the Philippines last week ordered its military to increase its presence in the disputed waters. In contrast to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who was hesitant to criticize the superpower, Marcos has stated he will not allow China to infringe on the Philippines' maritime rights in the sea.
"To avoid miscalculation and miscommunication in the West Philippine Sea, both sides have agreed to sign an agreement establishing ... direct communication between the foreign ministries of both countries at various levels," Neal Imperial, Philippine assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific affairs said.
The West Philippine Sea is the name given by Manila to the waters lying directly west of the Philippines. According to Imperial, the agreement would have "procedures" for interaction between the two nations in the event of a dispute.
Beijing asserts sovereignty over practically the entire South China Sea and disregarded a judgment from an international court that found those claims to be unfounded. It is claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei in conflicting portions. Marcos would "continue to uphold our country's sovereignty" during his discussions with Xi and other influential figures, according to Imperial.
By destroying tens of thousands of hectares of coral to make room for manmade islands in the Spratly archipelago, China has strengthened its position in the South China Sea. The militarized islands have ports, radar systems, and runways.
Last week, new land formations were claimed to have appeared in the Spratly Islands on Eldad Reef, Whitsun Reef, Lankiam Cay, and Sandy Cay, according to satellite photographs provided by U.S. government authorities.
The following day, Manila issued an order to its troops to increase its presence in the waterways, stating that it was "seriously concerned" about the report. The report was deemed "completely groundless" by the Chinese foreign ministry.
During Marcos' visit, which will take place from January 3 to January 5, up to 14 bilateral agreements could be signed. China is now dealing with a rise in COVID-19 cases. The former president Gloria Arroyo, key ministries, and business leaders would also be traveling with Marcos and his delegation, according to Imperial, in a "bubble" to lower the chance of infection.
