Philippines and China Discuss Coast Guard Communication Mechanism; Philippine Foreign Ministry: In Line with President's Instructions
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed discussions with China to re-establish a Coast Guard communication mechanism, stating it aligns with President Marcos Jr.'s directive to maintain dialogue. This initiative aims to institutionalize communication and could potentially lead to joint oil and gas exploration in the disputed South China Sea, despite ongoing maritime friction.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 11:19
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 12:00 (41 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 12:05 (5 min after Collected)
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian revealed in March that the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards were in talks for cooperation, with a draft memorandum of understanding nearing completion. However, amid continued friction in the South China Sea between the two nations, some Philippine groups expressed doubts about the cooperation. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela even publicly stated that the Coast Guard was not involved in the relevant negotiations.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement last night, denying that the discussions were "opaque" or conducted without the knowledge of the Philippine Coast Guard.
The statement said that Philippine Coast Guard Commander Ronnie Gil Gavan had written to the Department of Foreign Affairs in January this year, informing them of the progress of negotiations with the China Coast Guard and submitting the latest draft memorandum of understanding, requesting the Department of Foreign Affairs' assistance in understanding China's stance.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard had already signed a memorandum of understanding in 2016, agreeing to establish a "Coast Guard Joint Committee." The two sides began discussing the update and revision of this memorandum in 2024.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the key focus of the revision is to restore and institutionalize the communication channels between the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard, without involving politically sensitive operational areas, particularly joint patrols.
The statement emphasized that the relevant discussions are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s instructions to maintain open communication channels with China. The Philippines will firmly uphold its national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling.
Philippines and China held the 11th meeting of the Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea issue in Fujian in late March, with discussions including Coast Guard communication. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs statement noted that progress of the negotiations had been reported to relevant officials, including the National Security Adviser, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the Coast Guard Commander.
In addition to restoring the Coast Guard communication mechanism, the Department of Foreign Affairs does not rule out joint oil and gas exploration with China in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. It also stressed that this aligns with Marcos Jr.'s instructions to engage China through diplomatic means, including energy-related matters.
Philippine political commentator Richard Heydarian wrote in the South China Morning Post in late March that the U.S.-Iran conflict is slowly pushing the Philippines, a traditional U.S. ally, towards China. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150413
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement last night, denying that the discussions were "opaque" or conducted without the knowledge of the Philippine Coast Guard.
The statement said that Philippine Coast Guard Commander Ronnie Gil Gavan had written to the Department of Foreign Affairs in January this year, informing them of the progress of negotiations with the China Coast Guard and submitting the latest draft memorandum of understanding, requesting the Department of Foreign Affairs' assistance in understanding China's stance.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard had already signed a memorandum of understanding in 2016, agreeing to establish a "Coast Guard Joint Committee." The two sides began discussing the update and revision of this memorandum in 2024.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the key focus of the revision is to restore and institutionalize the communication channels between the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard, without involving politically sensitive operational areas, particularly joint patrols.
The statement emphasized that the relevant discussions are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s instructions to maintain open communication channels with China. The Philippines will firmly uphold its national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling.
Philippines and China held the 11th meeting of the Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea issue in Fujian in late March, with discussions including Coast Guard communication. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs statement noted that progress of the negotiations had been reported to relevant officials, including the National Security Adviser, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the Coast Guard Commander.
In addition to restoring the Coast Guard communication mechanism, the Department of Foreign Affairs does not rule out joint oil and gas exploration with China in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. It also stressed that this aligns with Marcos Jr.'s instructions to engage China through diplomatic means, including energy-related matters.
Philippine political commentator Richard Heydarian wrote in the South China Morning Post in late March that the U.S.-Iran conflict is slowly pushing the Philippines, a traditional U.S. ally, towards China. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150413
FAQ
What is the main topic of discussion between the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards?
The main topic of discussion is the establishment and update of a communication mechanism between the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards, aiming to restore and institutionalize communication channels.
Who initially revealed the talks between the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards?
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, initially revealed in March that the Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards were in talks for cooperation.
What was the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs' response to doubts about the discussions?
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement denying that the discussions were opaque or conducted without the Philippine Coast Guard's knowledge, providing evidence of their involvement.
When was the original memorandum of understanding between the two Coast Guards signed, and what did it establish?
The original memorandum of understanding was signed in 2016, agreeing to establish a 'Coast Guard Joint Committee' between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard.
What is the key focus of the current revision of the memorandum of understanding?
The key focus of the revision is to restore and institutionalize communication channels between the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard, specifically excluding politically sensitive operational areas like joint patrols.