Philippines, China agree to avoid Sea confrontations
After tense stand-off, nations to create buffer
Meeting eased tensions
MANILA, Philippines (AP) - China and the Philippines reached a deal Tuesday they hope will end confrontations at the most fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea, following a tense stand-off over the weekend.
An escalating diplomatic row and recent maritime run-ins between China and the Philippines have made the highly strategic South China Sea a flashpoint. Fears of a conflict with global implications have risen in recent months following a series of increasingly violent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine fishing boats.
The Philippines believes China has been illegally encroaching in its territorial waters, particularly near the Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing ground that is claimed by both countries.
Tensions soared last week when a Chinese coast guard ship fired water cannons at Philippine boats near the shoal, injuring two fishermen. The incident prompted the Philippines to summon the Chinese ambassador and file a diplomatic protest.
In response, China accused the Philippines of "provocative actions" and said it would continue to patrol the area.
The two countries held a crucial meeting Tuesday in Manila to try to ease mounting tensions following their worst confrontation in the South China Sea in years.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said after the meeting that the two sides had agreed to create a buffer zone around the Scarborough Shoal to prevent further confrontations.
"We have agreed to establish a buffer zone around the shoal that will be respected by both parties," Aquino said.
Aquino said the buffer zone would be patrolled by both Chinese and Philippine vessels.
"We hope that this will help to reduce tensions and prevent any further incidents," he said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two sides had also agreed to set up a hotline to facilitate communication between their coast guards.
"We believe that this will help to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications," Wang said.
The agreement is a significant step forward in easing tensions between the two countries, but it remains to be seen whether it will be effective in preventing further confrontations.
The South China Sea is a vital waterway that is claimed by several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
China claims most of the sea, based on a historical map, but its claims are disputed by the other countries.
The sea is home to rich fishing grounds and is also believed to contain large reserves of oil and gas.
The escalating tensions in the South China Sea have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict.
The United States, which has a strong interest in the region, has urged China and the other claimants to resolve their disputes peacefully.
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