Navy: Effects of PH-China talks on WPS tensions yet to be seen

THE EFFECTS of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting between the Philippines and China have yet to be seen as far as easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is concerned, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said on Tuesday.

"We are monitoring continuously the number of ships in the WPS. Based on the numbers for the past one month, we have seen a decrease. Last week, we (had) 94, the previous week 95, this week 104, so that's only a very slight increase compared to the previous month. If ever this is related to the BCM talks, it remains to be seen," PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Based on the PN's monitoring from July 9 to 15, the number of Chinese vessels spotted in WPS features include nine China Coast Guard vessels, one People's Liberation Army Navy ship, and 94 maritime militia vessels.

Trinidad also maintained that Manila's actions are always meant to de-escalate tension in the WPS even without the BCM.

"We will continue the RORE (rotation and resupply) missions, we will continue our maritime air surveillance flights. We will continue securing our features and the integrity of the national territory in the WPS. Again, we have never been escalatory in our actions. The Chinese Communist Party's actions in the WPS (have) been escalatory," he added.

Asked whether there are changes in China's behavior due to the BCM, he said this will be known during Manila's next RORE mission.

Manila's last RORE to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) was held on June 17, which was disrupted by the China Coast Guard and maritime militia.

A sailor of the PN lost his right thumb while Chinese troops damaged the Philippines' two rigid-hull inflatable boats and looted assorted gear, equipment, supplies, and even firearms.

During the 9th meeting of the BCM on the South China Sea (BCM) in Manila on July 2, Manila and Beijing agreed to continue discussions to find a “mutually acceptable resolution” to WPS issues. (Priam Nepomuceno)