China has no intention of relinquishing its territorial claims in the South China Sea – but it is equally determined to avoid conflict and manage disputes peacefully, four Chinese maritime scholars stated at a recent forum in Manila, framing compromise and restraint as the only viable paths forward.
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The scholars shared their views just days after the latest confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels, expressing scepticism about the possibility of resolving the long-standing maritime dispute soon. But argued that mutual trust, patience, and a rejection of “megaphone diplomacy” could help defuse the crisis.
The forum – titled “Peaceful Settlement of Disputes in the South China Sea” – was held at the Kamuning Bakery in suburban Manila on April 11, came five days after a near-collision in contested waters that once again highlighted the risks of escalation.
On April 6, a Chinese coastguard vessel attempted to block a Philippine coastguard ship near Scarborough Shoal. Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said the incident was a “reckless and dangerous” manoeuvre that showed a “blatant disregard for safety”.
It was the latest in a series of high-stakes encounters between the two sides. Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr took office in July 2022, the Philippines has filed more than 200 diplomatic protests against China on this matter, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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