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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH-China talks to discuss Scarborough collision—DFA chief

PH-China talks to discuss Scarborough collision—DFA chief

Published Aug 20, 2025 10:54 am  |  Updated Aug 20, 2025 02:20 pm
The issue of the two Chinese vessels colliding near the Scarborough Shoal will be discussed during the upcoming bilateral consultation mechanism between the Philippines and China, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

This image shows the exact moment when China Coast Guard (CCG) ship
This image shows the exact moment when China Coast Guard (CCG) ship "3104" collided with a Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship "164" while chasing BRP Suluan in Bajo de Masinloc, West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
“The issues on the bilateral is always discussing everything on the South China Sea and this is the mechanism that really works because we are the channel of communication,” DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in an interview on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

She, however, said that the DFA is still studying the possibility of filing another diplomatic protest on the Aug. 11 incident, wherein a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) collided after attempting to block a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship in the Scarborough Shoal.

Days after, warships from the United States Navy were spotted near the Scarborough Shoal, which the US said is an exercise of its freedom of navigation operations.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson insisted that “all people are entitled to that innocent passage” and the passage is essential for assuring the freedom of navigation rights under international law.

So far, the Philippines has already filed 35 diplomatic protests against China from January to August this year.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said that they are currently “looking at existing platforms for discussing” these matters with China through a bilateral dialogue.

“We continue diplomacy and dialogue and we keep lines of communication open with China. Alinsunod na nga yan sa instructions ng Pangulo (That’s in adherence to the instructions of the President) to manage the issue in a peaceful manner,” she stressed.

Related Tags

DFA Ma. Theresa Lazaro diplomatic protest Scarborough Shoal Chinese vessels
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