Philippines rejects China’s proposal to set up ‘common fishing ground’

The Philippines flatly rejected China’s proposal to set up a common fishing ground in the disputed South China Sea to reduce tension, insisting on implementing the 2016 arbitral award.

Manuel Mogato | July 10, 2026

MANILA — The Philippines flatly rejected China’s proposal to set up a common fishing ground in the disputed South China Sea to reduce tension, insisting on implementing the 2016 arbitral award, the defense secretary said.

Gilberto Teodoro Jr said the 2016 arbitral ruling already established Bajo de Masinloc as an artisanal fishing ground, but Beijing has been preventing other coastal states access to the shoal.

“Why did he submit the proposal, it’s already there in the arbitral award,” said Teodoro, referring to China’s ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan’s proposal to set up a common fishing ground.

“That is a right under the arbitral award.”

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled Bajo de Masinloc as a common fishing ground for coastal states in the region.

The arbitral award also nullified China’s excessive nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea and upheld the rights of the Philippines to its 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where $3 trillion trade passes annually.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam have conflicting claims in the South China Sea.

During a recent gathering, Jing said he proposed to the Department of Foreign Affairs to “replicate a successful model from 10 years ago, establishing a common fishing area” at the shoal.

Jing said fishermen from both countries had fished together at the Scarborough Shoal about 10 years ago.

“What does he want to happen now? We’re going to accept their proposal because it’s their proposal to have a fishing ground?,” said Teodoro.

“It’s already stated there, a common fishing ground within our EEZ. So who are they trying to fool?,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro said the proposal was a “public relations” job, noting the backlash of Chinese harassments in the West Philippine Sea.

“Why only now and why in public? That’s a PR (job),” said Teodoro.

On the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award, Teodoro urged the Filipino to be united in asserting the Philippine interest in the West Philippine Sea.

We should be 100 percent and not waver,” said Teodoro.