PH, China mull possible academic exchanges in marine research

National flags of the Philippines and China. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj/Files

MANILA, Philippines — Manila and Beijing are mulling possible academic exchanges in marine research, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday.

According to the DFA, the two countries held the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai, China on Wednesday.

“The Philippines and China agreed to initiate talks on possible academic exchanges on marine scientific research between Filipino and Chinese scientists,” said the DFA in a statement released through Malacañang.

The two sides also agreed to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea, agreeing to calmly deal with incidents.

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“Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions,” said the DFA.

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Tensions flared between the Philippines and China after Beijing decried President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message for Taiwan-elect Lai Ching-te.

China warned the Philippines not to play with fire.

However, China has continuously encroached upon the West Philippine Sea, with incidents ranging from Beijing’s use of water cannons to direct collision of vessels.