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MANILA: The Philippines and China agreed on Tuesday (July 2) on the need to “restore trust” and “rebuild confidence” to better handle maritime disputes, as Manila told its neighbour it would “relentlessly” protect its interests in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and China held “frank and constructive” discussions on the South China Sea during the ninth round of bilateral consultations hosted by Manila, the country’s foreign ministry said.
The meeting of senior foreign ministry officials came after the Philippine military described Chinese coast guard actions against Philippine vessels last month as “the most aggressive in recent history” during a routine resupply mission. A Filipino sailor was seriously injured.
“Substantial progress has been made in developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but significant differences remain,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher called for peaceful resolution of conflicts, including in the South China Sea, much of which China claims as its territory.
“We encourage all parties to the conflict to abide by international law,” Gallagher, who is in Manila on an official visit, told a joint news conference with his Philippine counterpart.
Manila has Seeking wider international support Seeks closer ties with states on its maritime claims and advocates for a rules-based order that recognizes international law.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration said China’s expansive claims had no legal basis.
But China insists its actions in the South China Sea are legal and professional and says it does not accept any claims or actions based on the ruling.
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