Another time’s the charm? Manila, Beijing OK presidential hotline on West Philippine Sea  – Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

SUMMARY

The Philippines and China have expanded a previous maritime communication mechanism covering the West Philippine Sea, as tensions rise in waters that are within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but that Beijing claims at its own. 

In a Wednesday, July 17 statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the two countries signed an “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms.” The existence of the deal was first reported by the Associated Press. 

The agreement “provides several channels for communication” between the two countries on “maritime issues,” including: 

Hold on – another agreement? 

If you think that you’ve seen this film before, you’re right – you’ve definitely seen a version of it. 

Back in January 2023, during M…

Source:https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/china-agree-presidential-level-hotline-west-philippine-sea/