PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (left) shakes hands with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo during a joint presser in Makati City on Thursday (July 4, 2024). Sangiampongsa called for “dialogue and diplomacy” in the South China Sea disputes amid rising tensions over the recent increase in Chinese activities in waters falling within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. (PNA photo by Joyce Rocamora)
MANILA – The Thai government on Thursday called for “dialogue and diplomacy” in the South China Sea (SCS) disputes amid rising tensions over the recent increase in Chinese activities in waters falling within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
During a bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Makati, visiting Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said he conveyed Thailand’s support for peaceful solutions in the sea lane.
“I conveyed Thailand support for peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy and express our readiness to work with all relevant parties to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and promote win-win cooperations in accordance with international law,” he said.
Manila-based geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill of the De La Salle University, meanwhile, said he sees this as Thailand “now beginning to realize that it cannot be non-participative in issues concerning maritime security” despite its emphasis on “continental security in its strategic culture.”
“While relatively insulated from any direct conflict in the South China Sea, exacerbating security conditions there would inevitable have indirect effects on Thailand given its desire to maintain good ties with both US and China,” he told the Philippine News Agency.
Gill noted that there have also been calls for Thailand to prioritize its maritime governance capacity and enhance its maritime security cooperation.
"This is where the role of intraregional cooperation lies. Therefore, maintain(ing) strong maritime security ties with Manila will be in the interest of Thailand," he said.
Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, on the other hand, Gill said he doubts Thailand would step forward in pushing for a stronger statement calling out China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
“Regarding Thailand’s position in the South China Sea, it has endeavored to maintain close ties with all powers involved. Moreover, while being a traditional ally of the US, Thailand has also been increasing its defense cooperation with China, albeit to a less sophisticated extent,” he said.
“Therefore, it will try to refrain from pointing any fingers as much as possible.”
The Philippines and China are currently in discussion to develop "measures" to manage the situation at sea but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said "significant differences remain."
The 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) on Tuesday was the first formal dialogue between the two states since the skirmish involving the Chinese Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines near Ayungin Shoal took place on June 17. (PNA)
