Philippines wants to expand deal with China to ease tensions in maritime dispute

The Philippine authorities are studying the possibility of expanding the scope of the agreement with China, which aims to ease tensions in the South China Sea due to the collision of ships in disputed waters. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.

Details

According to Manila Maritime Council spokesman Alexander Lopez: "the "temporary agreement" between the countries on resupply missions for the Philippine military outpost at Second Thomas Shoal may be expanded to "a larger area".

At the same time, he said, the Philippines is "seriously" considering the possibility of lodging another diplomatic protest against China over the recent clash, adding that Beijing's actions were "unprofessional and dangerous.

These illegal actions do not contribute to the confidence-building measures needed to improve relations,

Addendum

On Monday, August 19, Chinese and Philippine coastguard ships clashed again in the South China Sea, marking a new flashpoint in their long-running maritime dispute.

Recall

In July, a Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel collided near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, with China accusing the Philippine vessel of illegally entering the area and taking control measures against it.