DFA: MOU of PH, China Coast Guards don’t tackle sensitive operations

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said ongoing talks to amend a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG) are limited in scope and do not involve “sensitive operational areas.”

In a statement, the DFA spokesperson on maritime affairs, said the proposed amendments are “focused on re-establishing the Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation” that was first formed under a 2016 agreement between the two parties.

The joint committee is “intended to serve as a formalized channel of communication between the two coast guards,” the DFA said, and that both parties have engaged in talks since 2024 to update the MOU.

“The MOU does not contemplate cooperation in sensitive operational areas, joint patrols foremost among them,” the DFA said, adding that the “proposed amendments are limited in scope.”

The DFA issued the statement amid recent public commentary regarding discussions on the MOU between the PCG and the CCG.

The agency said the discussions are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain open lines of communication and engagement with China, “even as the Philippines firmly upholds its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law.”

The DFA added that negotiations are conducted through proper diplomatic channels and are not confined to bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) meetings.

“They have been duly reported to, and are known by, all relevant principals – including the National Security Adviser in his capacity as NTF-WPS Chair, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the PCG Commandant,” it said.

The agency also reaffirmed that “engagement and vigilance are complementary, not contradictory,” and that the Philippines “will continue to pursue practical maritime cooperation where appropriate, while remaining steadfast in the defense of its national interests.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News