BRP Tubbataha during its delivery to the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine CG PAO photo

The Diplomat is reporting, that China and the Philippines will be forming a Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation,

“Substance-wise, according to the joint statement released by both sides, the coast guards “had a friendly exchange of views” on the establishment of the JCGC, getting down to the specifics of the entity including its organizational structure, terms of reference, and operational procedures, as well as potential areas of collaboration such as marine environmental protection, maritime search and rescue, combating maritime crimes including drug trafficking, and, most interestingly, “capacity-building in related areas.” Following these discussions, both sides aim to hold a second organizational meeting as well as the inaugural meeting of the JCGC in February 2017.”