The Philippines and China on Tuesday announced that the negotiations for a code of conduct in South China would start next month after the two countries had “frank and cordial exchange” on the contentious issue.
The Philippines and China on Tuesday announced that the negotiations for a code of conduct in South China would start next month after the two countries had “frank and cordial exchange” on the contentious issue.
Manila and Beijing said that the second bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea was “positive, fruitful and productive.”
“With the objective of maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the region, both sides discussed ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence. Both sides had a positive, fruitful and productive meeting,” the two states said in joint statement.
Both sides agreed to “exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.
