No Joint Patrols, Promise Nila: DFA Clarifies Coast Guard Deal With China
The Department of Foreign Affairs tried to calm concerns on Monday after questions surfaced over a proposed update to the maritime cooperation deal between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard. The DFA said the planned memorandum will not cover sensitive operations, so hindi ito usapang joint patrols sa West Philippine Sea.
According to DFA Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva Jr., the discussions are mainly about reviving the Joint Coast Guard Committee first set up in 2016. Since 2024, both sides have been talking about limited amendments meant to reopen a formal communication channel between the two coast guard agencies.
Villanueva stressed that the proposed changes are narrow in scope and do not include cooperation in areas that could compromise Philippine interests. He specifically said joint patrols are not part of the plan, which addresses one of the biggest public fears surrounding any direct coordination with Beijing at sea.
The DFA also said engagement and vigilance can happen at the same time. In short, the government wants to keep lines open with China while still standing firm on sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction under international law. That balancing act remains part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s standing policy, ayon sa ahensya.
Officials added that the talks have gone through regular diplomatic channels and were reported to key national security and foreign affairs officials, including National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and PCG Commandant Ronnie Gavan. For now, the message from Manila is simple: communication, yes; joint patrols, hindi kasama.
