PH, EU tackle SCS issue, possible coast guard cooperation

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

The Philippines and the EU convened the 2nd Sub-Committee Meeting (SCM) on Maritime Cooperation in Manila on Oct. 29, which builds on the accomplishments of the inaugural SCM in Brussels last year. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA – Opposition to unilateral actions in the West Philippine Sea and ways to increase maritime cooperation, including through coast guards, were at the core of discussions in a Philippine-European Union maritime dialogue this week.

The Philippines and the EU convened the 2nd Sub-Committee Meeting (SCM) on Maritime Cooperation in Manila on Oct. 29, which builds on the accomplishments of the inaugural SCM in Brussels last year.

In a statement on Friday, the EU Delegation in Manila said the two sides highlighted areas for further engagements, including coast guard cooperation, maritime security, maritime domain awareness, addressing non-traditional security threats, and regional security.

The two sides also took note of the EU Maritime Security Strategy, as well as maritime education, training, certification and safety at sea, and maritime environmental protection.

On the South China Sea (SCS), the EU and the Philippines conveyed their “strong opposition” to illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions in the area, and welcomed frank and sincere diplomatic engagements in this regard.

“They expressed serious concern over unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability and the rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the statement read.

“Such activities also include those which damage the seabed and marine environment, interfere with the livelihoods of fishing communities, and undermine the Philippines’ food security.”

The two sides urged parties to refrain from the threat or use of force and “from adding uncertainty to the region through unilateral acts.”

Meanwhile, they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and asked states for “full and faithful compliance” with the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“Maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS,” they said.

In addition, the EU and the Philippines discussed the increasingly volatile situation in the Red Sea and repeated calls for the immediate release of seafarers manning the Galaxy Leader, seized by the Houthi group in November.

The SCM was co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez and Paola Pampaloni, acting managing director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The next Philippine-EU maritime dialogue meeting will take place in Brussels in 2025.