No commitment from China in exploratory talks

MANILA, Philippines - There was no commitment from Beijing to ease its fishing restrictions at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal despite efforts by a special Philippine team – led by former president Fidel Ramos – sent to Hong Kong to work out a settlement of fishing issues.

“We talked about fishing; the return of the fishing status quo before the conflict – that we restore fishing according to the rights accorded by tradition and that means Philippines, China, to include Vietnam which is part of the tradition,” Ramos said in a press briefing held at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club yesterday.

But the Chinese panel headed by former ambassador to Manila Fu Ying simply noted the Philippine mission’s concern while agreeing on the need for both parties to engage in further talks aimed at building trust and confidence to reduce tensions in the region and pave the way for greater cooperation.

With the former president in the Hong Kong mission were former interior secretary Rafael Alunan; Chito Sta. Romana, former ABC news bureau chief based in Beijing, and Samuel Ramos-Jones.

“I would also describe our trip as a ‘food trip,” Alunan said, referring to the hospitality of their Chinese hosts, who made sure they were well-fed during their stay in Hong Kong.

Ramos did not say if the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) invalidating Beijing’s massive nine-dash line claim in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea had influenced the informal talks.

“I cannot answer that,” Ramos replied when asked if the PCA ruling was raised.

In the ruling released last July 12, Panatag Shoal was declared a common fishing area for Filipinos and Chinese and for fishermen in neighboring countries.

“Nothing. Noted,” Alunan said of China’s response to the proposal that a fishing status quo be restored at Panatag Shoal.

Located 120 nautical miles from mainland Zambales, Panatag is now under the de facto control of Beijing following a maritime standoff in 2012.

Beijing maintained the shoal is part of its territory and within its nine-dash line claim, which the PCA has declared as baseless.

But Alunan pointed out their group went to Hong Kong on orders of President Duterte for an informal dialogue and not to negotiate or agree on anything.

“There’s no official talk yet. We have to report to the President first for his guidance,” Alunan said.

Only during formal talks will the Philippines raise contentious issues in the context of the PCA ruling, Alunan said.

He couldn’t say if his group would still represent the country in formal talks.

But he stressed his group at least “broke the ice” and set a very friendly atmosphere in the discussions of the maritime dispute.

The informal talks also touched on possible human and ecological security operations, marine preservation, exploring tourism opportunities, cooperation in the fight against crime and corruption and trade and investments facilitation, among other concerns.