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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Claims Progress In Fishing Talks With China
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced notable progress in the fishing talks between the Philippines and China. The president shared the update after attending the 125th founding anniversary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Quezon City on Tuesday.
President Marcos expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions between the two countries, highlighting the change in approach from the Chinese side. He stated that the latest reports indicated a positive shift, as the previously reported incidents of Filipino fishermen being blocked by Chinese vessels off Pag-asa Island were now less frequent.
"Iyong latest na report ay sinundan na lang. Hindi na kagaya ng dati na talagang hinaharang. So there’s a little progress there," President Marcos said, acknowledging the recent reports of improved access for Filipino fishermen in the area.
The President credited the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for projecting an increase in fish catch as a direct result of the ongoing discussions. He emphasized the importance of continued communication between the Philippine and Chinese governments, stating that during his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he made it a priority to focus on fisheries issues.
“That is because we are continuing to talk to the Chinese government, to President Xi in every way para nga ang inuna ko talaga noong kami’y nagkita ay sinabi ko unahin na lang natin ‘yung fisheries," President Marcos explained.
While the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea was not immediately addressed during the talks, both sides agreed to prioritize the fishery issue. The discussions also led to improved coordination, particularly regarding the imposition of fishing bans. This new coordination allows the Philippine side to plan ahead and provide alternative livelihood opportunities for affected fishermen.
“So that slowly, slowly... Alam mo na, these things do not come very quickly. Slowly, slowly... But we are slowly making progress because the key to that was really the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government,” President Marcos added.
During his state visit to China in January, President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to find compromises and work on measures that could benefit Filipino fishermen. The ongoing discussions represent a concerted effort to reach mutually beneficial solutions in the fishing talks between the two nations.
The Philippine government remains committed to furthering diplomatic efforts to resolve the issues in the West Philippine Sea, and the progress made in the fishing talks signifies a positive step toward achieving a more harmonious relationship between the Philippines and China.
President Marcos expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions between the two countries, highlighting the change in approach from the Chinese side. He stated that the latest reports indicated a positive shift, as the previously reported incidents of Filipino fishermen being blocked by Chinese vessels off Pag-asa Island were now less frequent.
"Iyong latest na report ay sinundan na lang. Hindi na kagaya ng dati na talagang hinaharang. So there’s a little progress there," President Marcos said, acknowledging the recent reports of improved access for Filipino fishermen in the area.
The President credited the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for projecting an increase in fish catch as a direct result of the ongoing discussions. He emphasized the importance of continued communication between the Philippine and Chinese governments, stating that during his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he made it a priority to focus on fisheries issues.
“That is because we are continuing to talk to the Chinese government, to President Xi in every way para nga ang inuna ko talaga noong kami’y nagkita ay sinabi ko unahin na lang natin ‘yung fisheries," President Marcos explained.
While the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea was not immediately addressed during the talks, both sides agreed to prioritize the fishery issue. The discussions also led to improved coordination, particularly regarding the imposition of fishing bans. This new coordination allows the Philippine side to plan ahead and provide alternative livelihood opportunities for affected fishermen.
“So that slowly, slowly... Alam mo na, these things do not come very quickly. Slowly, slowly... But we are slowly making progress because the key to that was really the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government,” President Marcos added.
During his state visit to China in January, President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to find compromises and work on measures that could benefit Filipino fishermen. The ongoing discussions represent a concerted effort to reach mutually beneficial solutions in the fishing talks between the two nations.
The Philippine government remains committed to furthering diplomatic efforts to resolve the issues in the West Philippine Sea, and the progress made in the fishing talks signifies a positive step toward achieving a more harmonious relationship between the Philippines and China.
Jun 21, 2023
