Beijing [China], January 18: China and the Philippines have agreed to improve maritime communications as well as better manage conflicts and disagreements related to the South China Sea through dialogue, according to a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to a statement posted by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs late on January 17, Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nong Rong and Philippine Deputy Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro exchanged views frankly and deeply when co-chairing The 8th conference of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the East Sea in Shanghai (China).
At the conference, the two sides reaffirmed that the dispute in the East Sea "is not the whole story in bilateral relations," according to the statement. The two sides also believe that "maintaining communication and dialogue is essential to maintain peace and stability at sea".
The two sides agreed to appropriately resolve conflicts and disagreements at sea through friendly consultations, as well as adequately handle emergency situations at sea. The two sides will also promote practical maritime cooperation, "creating opportunities for China-Philippine relations to develop healthily and stably".
In recent months, China-Philippines relations have become tense due to confrontations between the two countries' forces in the East Sea as well as elections in Taiwan.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. recently said Manila is planning "stronger" military operations with the US and its allies, as well as "strengthening capabilities to become a more effective contributor to regional stability." ", according to Bloomberg's report on January 17.
On January 16, China summoned the Philippine ambassador and warned the country "not to play with fire" after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated newly elected leader Lai Thanh Duc in Taiwan, according to Reuters.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
