The Philippines and the European Union (EU) firmly opposed “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions” in the South China Sea following high-level talks in Manila last week.
The October 29 meeting underscored both parties’ commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation amid rising tensions in the region. Officials from both sides raised concerns about actions threatening regional stability and impacting local fishing communities’ livelihoods.
Both Philippines and the EU emphasized their “frank and sincere diplomatic engagements” and reiterated their commitment to peaceful solutions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
After their second maritime cooperation meeting, the EU and the Philippines expressed strong opposition to illegal and coercive actions in the South China Sea in a joint statement, marking a clear shift from their previous focus on unilateral actions. The first round of talks occurred in Brussels last year.
Although they did not explicitly name China, both parties voiced serious concern about unilateral actions that “endanger peace, security, stability, and the rules-based international order,” specifically mentioning recent incidents within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“Such activities include those which damage the seabed and marine environment, interfere with the livelihoods of fishing communities, and undermine the Philippines’ food security,” the statement highlighted.
They urged all parties to “refrain from the threat or use of force and from adding uncertainty to the region through unilateral acts.”
The Philippines expressed gratitude for the EU’s timely, consistent, and decisive statements supporting its maritime stance. Both parties reinforced their commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), emphasizing full and faithful compliance with the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.
Rising tensions
In recent months, incidents involving Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea have intensified, with escalating encounters at Escoda Shoal—a low-tide elevation about 75 nautical miles from Palawan that has emerged as a new flashpoint between the Philippines and China.
The two countries have long asserted rival claims over islands and territories in the South China Sea, with tensions escalating over the years through repeated vessel collisions, confrontations, and accusations of armed intimidation.
In August this year, the Philippine Coast Guard’s flagship vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, faced repeated encirclement by larger Chinese vessels during a five-month deployment, including three ramming incidents. These incursions, fueled by China’s refusal to recognize the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, continue to strain regional relations.
The joint statement urged parties to refrain from the threat or use of force and from adding uncertainty to the region through unilateral acts, while stressing that “maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.”
Beyond South China Sea
Discussions went beyond the South China Sea to cover broader maritime concerns, including seafarer protections.
This year’s talks notably addressed support for seafarers’ “right to refuse sailing” in designated high-risk areas, building on a recent UN Human Rights Council resolution led by the Philippines that underscores the importance of safe working conditions for maritime workers as a human rights imperative.
The Philippines and the EU identified areas for further collaboration, including maritime security, domain awareness, tackling non-traditional threats, and coast guard cooperation. They emphasized the importance of maritime education, training, certification, and environmental protection aligned with UNCLOS obligations.
Both sides highlighted ongoing projects like ESIWA and CRIMARIO, along with the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, aimed at boosting maritime safety and enhancing seafarers’ education, training, and certification across the Philippines and ASEAN.
They pledged to pursue further training, capacity-building initiatives, and share best practices. The dialogue also explored potential partnerships that could complement efforts with like-minded nations.
In a humanitarian plea, both parties also called for the immediate release of the MV Galaxy Leader crew, held by Houthi rebels since November 2023. Houthi rebels seized a cargo ship in the Red Sea, taking 25 crew members hostage, including 17 Filipinos.
The hijacking, reportedly a reaction to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which had begun a month prior, underscores the growing risks for seafarers in high-conflict areas.
The Philippines and the EU discussed practical support initiatives, including enhanced awareness for seafarers navigating high-risk areas and sharing real-time threat intelligence.
The Manila delegation included Philippine Maritime Affairs Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez, while EU Acting Managing Director for Asia and Pacific Paola Pampaloni led the European team.
The next round of talks is scheduled for Brussels in 2025.
Photo credit: iStock/ EyeEm Mobile GmbH
