Philippines to seek ‘peaceful approach’ with China over ship collision

Manila says it will consider agreements with Beijing to manage their air and sea encounters in the South China Sea

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The damaged Philippine ship BRP Cape Engano following a collision with a Chinese coastguard vessel near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on August 19. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 7:09pm, 20 Aug 2024

The Philippines will pursue diplomacy over military action in response to rising maritime tensions with China including considering new agreements to manage air and sea encounters, the National Maritime Council said on Tuesday.

“Because if we would be going beyond a diplomatic or peaceful approach, you can just imagine, maybe if you’re referring to more kinetic [military] actions, that would not be to the best interest of our country and of China and even in the region,” Alexander Lopez, the newly appointed presidential palace spokesman for the council, said in his first press briefing.

The briefing took place a day after Philippine coastguard vessels were damaged when they collided with Chinese coastguard vessels near the contested Sabina Shoal inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone early on Monday morning – the latest in a series of similar clashes in the disputed waterway.

Manila and Beijing have traded accusations about the other party being at fault for the latest incident, which caused damage to two Philippine vessels but no reported injuries. A Philippine military spokesman said the collision was caused by the “dangerous and illegal manoeuvres” of the Chinese coastguard.

When Lopez was asked whether the government would respond beyond the usual diplomatic protests to counter China’s latest actions, the retired navy vice-admiral said the diplomatic approach was “in line with the President’s directive”.