Militia fishing ships ‘not on agenda’ as Chinese coastguard visits Philippines

First Chinese coastguard ship to visit the Philippines docks in Manila

Visit is touted as an opportunity to talk – but there’ll be no discussion of claims fishing ships are doing Beijing’s dirty work in the South China Sea

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A Chinese coastguard ship arrives in Manila. Photo: Handout

Published: 9:40pm, 14 Jan 2020Updated: 4:14pm, 17 Feb 2020

The first Chinese coastguard ship ever to visit the Philippines was officially welcomed on Tuesday, as Manila called on Beijing to discuss ways of ensuring the safety of both countries’ fishermen at sea.

The controversial visit, which is being led by Commandant General Wang Zhongca and lasts until Friday, comes amid growing anger in the Philippines over China’s repeated incursions into both the country’s exclusive economic zone and what Manila claims as its territory in the South China Sea.

“The mere fact that they requested a port visit [shows] that this is part of a diplomatic effort by China to de-escalate the tension,” said the commandant of the Philippine coastguard, Admiral Joel Garcia. “I would say this is part of their intention to once and for all communicate and talk to the Philippine coastguard.”

A photo from the Weibo account of CCTV’s military channel shows the Chinese coastguard ship arriving in Manila. Photo: Handout

The Chinese vessel arrived in Manila South Harbour on Monday carrying aid packages for Filipinos who have been displaced by the Taal volcano. Taal burst into life on Sunday, spewing lava and ash hundreds of metres into the air and prompting the evacuation of residents within a 14km radius.

“We believe that the visit will be a very good opportunity for both sides to demonstrate goodwill, deepen mutual understanding and trust as well as enhance friendship and cooperation,” said the Chinese embassy.