Philippines and China Discuss Escoda Shoal Dispute in South China Sea
The governments of the Philippines and China recently held important talks about the Escoda Shoal, also known as the Sabina Shoal, located in the South China Sea. The meeting took place on September 11 in Beijing during the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting.
Philippines’ Position
Philippines Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma Theresa Lazaro stated that the Escoda Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). She emphasized the country’s consistent position and explored ways to reduce tensions in the area. Lazaro mentioned that both countries agreed to continue discussions on cooperation, including hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation.
China’s Position
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong represented China at the meeting. He reiterated China’s stance on the shoal, which they call Xianbin Jiao, and urged the Philippines to withdraw its vessels. China emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Background
The Escoda Shoal is part of the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The South China Sea is a strategic and resource-rich area, leading to disputes among several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Recent tensions have escalated, with both Manila and Beijing accusing each other of aggressive actions near the shoal.
The Philippines relies on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to justify its EEZ, while China asserts dominance over almost the entire sea based on its “nine-dash line.”
Doubts Revealed
Philippines -: The Philippines is a country made up of many islands in Southeast Asia. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.
China -: China is a large country in East Asia. It has the most people of any country in the world.
Escoda Shoal -: Escoda Shoal is a small area in the South China Sea. It is a place where both the Philippines and China say they have control.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a big sea in Asia. Many countries around it, like the Philippines and China, want to control parts of it because it has lots of fish and other resources.
10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting -: This is a meeting where people from the Philippines and China talk to each other. They try to solve problems and make peace.
Philippines Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma Theresa Lazaro -: Ma Theresa Lazaro is a person who works for the government of the Philippines. She helps with talking to other countries.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong -: Chen Xiaodong is a person who works for the government of China. He helps with talking to other countries.
jurisdiction -: Jurisdiction means having the power or right to control something. In this case, the Philippines says it has the right to control Escoda Shoal.
resource-rich -: Resource-rich means having a lot of valuable things like fish, oil, or gas. The South China Sea has many of these valuable resources.
