MANILA – The Philippines remains firm on its position that Escoda (Sabina) Shoal is within the country’s Exclusive Economic zone (EEZ), after recent confrontations between China and the Philippines were reported in the disputed waters.
This was reaffirmed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, during the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea last September 11.
According to the DFA, both China and the Philippines had a “frank and candid exchange of views” on managing the situation in the West Philippine Sea, including Escoda Shoal.
“Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro had a frank and candid exchange of views with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong on managing the situation in the West Philippine Sea, including in Escoda Shoal, during a meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held in Beijing on 11 September 2024,” the DFA said.
In a separate statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said that “China reiterated its principled position on the Xianbin Reef issue” and urged the Philippines to immediately withdraw relevant ships.
In its statement, the Chinese Embassy said that “the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-Philippines maritime issues, especially the Xianbin Reef issue,” but will “firmly safeguard its sovereignty and the seriousness and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China.”
While both sides stand firm on their respective positions on the issue, China and the Philippines agreed to continue discussions and explore ways to prevent further confrontations.
“Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation,” the DFA said.
Both sides also reaffirmed the BCM as a forum for promoting maritime dialogue and enhancing bilateral cooperation while agreeing to continue engagement through diplomatic channels, the DFA added.
This was echoed by the Chinese Embassy by stating that “the two sides agreed to continue to maintain communication through diplomatic channels such as the BCM.”
The last BCM, which led to a common Understanding on the Management of the Situation on the Ayungin Shoal, was held in Manila in July 2024, the DFA mentioned.
Last April 15, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua to Escoda Shoal after finding “crushed corals” and other debris in the areas surrounding the shoal, fuelling speculations that China is planning to start construction of a structure in the disputed area.
China’s reaction was deploying their coast guard and other vessels to Escoda Shoal, including its biggest vessel dubbed a “monster ship”. Though the vessel has left the area, several Chinese ships are still “closely guarding” BRP Teresa Magbanua, which sustained damage after being recently rammed by Chinese vessels.
