A recently signed agreement will open a direct line of communication between the presidential offices of China and the Philippines.
to help prevent any new confrontation from spiralling out of control in the disputed South China Sea, according to highlights of the accord seen by The Associated Press on Tuesday.
During a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine forces at the Philippines-occupied Second Thomas Shoal in August 2023, the Philippine government said it was unable to reach Chinese officials through an established "maritime communication mechanism" for several hours. The Chinese forces also seized seven Philippine navy rifles, said Brawner, who demanded China return the firearms and pay for damages.FILE - In this handout image provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chinese Coast Guard hold knives and machetes as they approach Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024.
The hotline talks could also be done "through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs counterparts, including at the foreign minister and vice foreign minister levels or through their designated representatives," it said, and added without elaborating that Philippine officials were "in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this arrangement.
During the talks in Manila, China and the Philippines agreed on two other confidence-boosting steps to intensify "cooperation between their respective coast guard authorities" and the possible convening of a maritime forum between Chinese and Philippine scientists and academic leaders.
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