The Philippines and China pledged to find common ground on South China Sea disputes during the latest round of bilateral talks. They agreed to foster cooperation in maritime sciences and coast guard operations while emphasizing peaceful resolutions. Tensions persist, with both countries criticizing each other’s actions regarding territorial claims and maritime presence.

The Philippines and China collectively agreed to pursue common ground amidst ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, as announced by their foreign ministries on Thursday. This agreement emerged during the 10th round of talks conducted under a bilateral consultation mechanism focused on addressing the escalating tensions in the region, characterized by continued exchanges over maritime territories.

During the discussions, both parties showcased a willingness to foster cooperation particularly in areas such as coast guard operations and marine scientific endeavors, while emphasizing a peaceful resolution to their existing issues. “We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea,” stated Philippine foreign affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro.

China encouraged the Philippines to uphold dialogue and consultations for resolving their differences, despite mutual criticisms regarding recent maritime confrontations. The Philippines expressed grave concerns regarding the actions of China’s coast guard, particularly its continued presence within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Conversely, China raised objections regarding perceived provocations and accusations of exaggerating maritime disputes.

The South China Sea remains a crucial maritime trade route, with China’s expansive territorial claims overlapping the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of multiple Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. An international arbitral tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s claims lacked legal validity; however, China has consistently rejected this ruling.

The South China Sea has long been a contentious region, with multiple nations asserting claims over its waters and features. The maritime disputes are compounded by the presence of significant natural resources and vital shipping lanes. The Philippines and China, both engaged in negotiations aimed at mitigating tensions, have frequently faced challenges regarding coast guard actions and territorial affirmations. A notable legal development occurred in 2016 when an international tribunal adjudicated in favor of the Philippines, undermining China’s historical claims, a decision China does not acknowledge.

The recent engagement between the Philippines and China highlights both nations’ intentions to seek diplomatic resolutions despite heightened tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The commitment to enhance cooperation in areas such as marine research and coast guard operations indicates a strategic approach towards maintaining regional stability. However, underlying disagreements remain evident, requiring ongoing dialogue and negotiation.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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