During high-level talks on Friday, a Philippine official said maritime issues between the Philippines and China remain a “serious concern.”
The Philippines had the first in-person encounter between officials from the nations since before the outbreak amid rising concerns over China’s “aggressive operations” in the South China Sea.
“Both our nations’ presidents agreed that maritime disputes should be resolved via diplomacy and conversation and never through force and intimidation,” Filipino foreign ministry undersecretary Teresa Lazaro said at the start of bilateral South China Sea talks.
Two months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China, President Xi Jinping declared he would “cordially” manage maritime concerns with Manila.
China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said maritime concerns are crucial to China-Philippines ties.
Beijing is concerned about a growing U.S. military presence in its neighbor, accusing Washington of escalating regional tensions.
“The two sides agreed to manage and contain disagreements and appropriately handle situations at sea through amicable dialogue,” the Chinese foreign ministry stated following Sun’s visit.
Marcos authorized U.S. military base access last month amid China’s escalating aggression in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan.
The accord is considered a rekindling of ties between Manila and its former colonial ruler, which worsened under Rodrigo Duterte.
Last month, the Philippines accused China’s coast guard of lasering one of its vessels resupplying troops in the disputed Spratly islands. Marcos summoned the Chinese ambassador to express his concern over China’s activity.
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