Phl, China set up presidential hotline on SCS

The Philippines and China have signed an agreement raising to the highest level the officials who may use an emergency hotline concerning incidents in the South China Sea, involving presidential offices and foreign ministries.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms” – signed during talks held in Manila on July 2 following a violent confrontation at Ayungin Shoal – would provide various “channels for communication” between the two nations, specifically on maritime issues.

The hotline talks could also be done through the DFA and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including foreign minister and vice foreign ministers or their designated representatives.

Coast Guard channels will be established following a corresponding memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two sides.

The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement.

In August, the DFA expressed disappointment that it was unable to reach its Chinese counterpart through the maritime communication mechanism for several hours while the China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and Chinese militia vessels blocked and water cannoned two Philippine boats on a routine supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.