18-11-2023 (MANILA) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (Nov 18) in a bid to reduce tensions in the South China Sea and restore Filipino fishermen’s access to fishing grounds. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco, where Marcos emphasized the need for continued communication between the Philippines and China to maintain peace and ensure open sea lanes and airways over the South China Sea.
Speaking to reporters, Marcos stated that efforts were made to establish mechanisms to lower tensions in the South China Sea, although he did not provide further details. He expressed concern over incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels, including a collision, and highlighted the plight of Filipino fishermen.
Marcos stressed the importance of returning to a situation where both Chinese and Filipino fishermen can fish together in the disputed waters. Filipino fishermen have reported being prevented from fishing in parts of the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone by Chinese coastguard and maritime militia ships.
During the meeting, Marcos and Xi agreed that geopolitical problems should not define the relationship between the two countries. Since assuming office in 2022, Marcos has pursued closer ties with the United States, a treaty ally, in contrast to the pro-Beijing stance of his predecessor. This shift in approach has resulted in increased access for the United States to Philippine military bases, including those facing the South China Sea and Taiwan, which has drawn criticism from Beijing.
Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated this year, with China’s construction of man-made islands equipped with missiles and airstrips. However, Marcos expressed optimism that war could be avoided, stating, “I do not think anybody wants to go to war.” It’s worth noting that China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claim.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to requests for comment on the outcome of the meeting.
