China and the Philippines have announced that they have agreed to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea after a long period of tensions. Both sides announced that they agreed to improve communication and continue friendly negotiations to manage their maritime differences. On January 18, 2024, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the parties had agreed to continue friendly negotiations to better manage their maritime differences.[i]
The South China Sea is known as the place where many conflicts have occurred between the two countries in recent months. As a matter of fact, China and the Philippines said that they agreed to limit the tension in a meeting regarding these seas.[ii]
“The two sides have held frank and productive discussions to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea, and both sides agreed to calmly resolve any incident, whatever it may be, through diplomacy,” the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on January 17, 2024.[iii]
Disputes in the South China Sea are seen as a point of tension with the potential for armed conflict. Many countries have claimed waters in the South China Sea. These countries include Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.[iv]
The basis of this tension in the South China Sea are factors such as undersea riches, energy resources and strategic location. Disputes between various countries in the region, access to undersea resources, and military strategic importance underlie this tension.
The agreement between China and the Philippines underscores the need to communicate and use diplomatic channels. This aims to ensure that dialogue between the parties continues and to prevent conflicts from escalating into military conflicts.
Many countries in the region are closely following the tension in the South China Sea. Because this situation may threaten peace and security in the region. The international community may try to encourage the parties to such agreements and dialogues.
Disputes in the South China Sea bring international law and the rules regarding the determination of maritime jurisdictions back to the agenda. It is very important for the international community to take a more active role in respecting the rules of maritime law.
Cooperation and confidence-building measures between the parties are important to ensure stability in the region. Cooperation in economic, cultural and scientific fields can be part of long-term solutions. As a result, this agreement between China and the Philippines could be an important step in ensuring regional stability. However, the complex dynamics in the region and the role of other actors should also be taken into account. It is extremely important that sustained diplomatic efforts continue for a long-term solution.
[i] Philippines, China Commit to Diplomacy, De-Escalation in South China Sea”, Deccan Herald, https://www.deccanherald.com/world/philippines-china-commit-to-diplomacy-de-escalation-in-south-china-sea-2853943, (Date Accessed: 19.01.2024).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
