In a display of diplomatic goodwill, a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) training ship, the Qi Jiguang, docked in Manila on Wednesday for a four-day visit. The arrival of the ship comes amidst escalating tensions between China and the Philippines over their territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
The Chinese embassy in the Philippines announced the ship's arrival on Twitter, stating that it was a "goodwill port call" and highlighting the importance of defense cooperation between China and the Philippines. The embassy also mentioned that the visit was in line with the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries.
As part of its regional tour, the Qi Jiguang has previously made stops in Vietnam, Thailand, and Brunei. The ship's visit to Manila signifies an ongoing tradition of military exchanges and serves as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The territorial dispute in the South China Sea has been a point of contention between China and the Philippines for years. China claims a significant portion of the strategic waterway, including areas close to Philippine shores, despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal invalidating these claims.
The tensions have recently escalated due to allegations made by the Philippines of Chinese ships using military-grade lasers against the Philippine coast guard, particularly during encounters with Filipino fishermen. Manila has accused Beijing of harassment and violation of international norms.
China's occupation of the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, located within 200 nautical miles off the Philippine coast, has further fueled the dispute. These areas are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, as determined by the United Nations.
The visit of the Qi Jiguang, a training ship commissioned in 2017, is seen as a significant event, as it is the first time a Chinese navy vessel has visited the Philippines since the election of President Ferdinand Marcos. President Marcos has taken a more assertive stance in defending Philippine territory, emphasizing that the country will not cede any land.
While the visit aims to foster goodwill and enhance military cooperation, it occurs in the context of evolving bilateral relations between the two nations. President Marcos has denied any major shift away from China, highlighting that differences exist but will not define the overall relationship.
During the term of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines welcomed several Chinese navy warships, and Duterte himself visited Chinese vessels in his hometown. The dynamics between the two countries have undergone some changes since then, reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region.
The Qi Jiguang will remain in Manila until Saturday, allowing the public to visit the ship during specified hours. This open-day activity provides an opportunity for the local population to engage with the Chinese navy and gain insights into their training practices.
As diplomatic tensions persist, the goodwill visit of the Chinese training ship serves as a symbolic gesture aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation between China and the Philippines. However, the underlying territorial dispute in the South China Sea remains a complex issue that requires continued dialogue and efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
