Increased maritime communication between Philippines and China is expected to manage tension in South China Sea, analysts said.

According to a text message from the Department of Foreign Affairs sent to the local media on July 17, the “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms” provides several channels for communication between the two countries.

For Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, research fellow at the Manila-based Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, the creation of several communication mechanisms can help “save precious bandwidth”, allowing both sides to focus on more strategic bilateral concerns

These channels include the representatives designated by Chinese and Philippine leaders; representatives of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs; and the Coast Guard of the two countries.

READ MORE: China and Philippines hold talks to defuse South China Sea tension

Philippine officials said they are in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this Arrangement.

Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said while this won’t immediately resolve the dispute over the South China Sea, it can at least “tone down the heated confrontation and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculations”.

“I think it is a very positive development and hopefully productive arrangement,” Oh said.

For Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, research fellow at the Manila-based Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, the creation of several communication mechanisms can help “save precious bandwidth”, allowing both sides to focus on more strategic bilateral concerns.

“Working hotlines at the ground level between the frontline maritime actors of both sides will be crucial. If they function well, there may be less incentive to elevate an encounter to the foreign ministry or the presidential offices,” he said.

In Beijing, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Lin Jian has said that China and the Philippines agreed to further enhance communication and dialogue between diplomatic and coast guard agencies to jointly keep the maritime situation and the overall bilateral relationship stable.

READ MORE: Beijing, Manila reopen talks to reduce tensions in South China Sea

“China is always committed to properly handling maritime issues with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation,” Lin said in the July 18 press briefing.

He cited the ninth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea held in July 2, noting that the two sides talked about improving the maritime communication mechanism.

At the 9th BCM held in Manila, Chinese and Philippine officials signed the Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms and agreed to discuss further how to operationalize this mechanism. They also agreed to continue discussions on maritime cooperation between their respective coast guard authorities.

Contact the writer at prime@chinadailyapac.com