China said it called on the Philippines to remain committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.
Both agreed to boost communication and deepen dialogue, but also called each other out over recent standoffs.
US ally the Philippines said it had expressed serious concern about the conduct of China’s coast guard, including its sustained presence in Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
China, for its part, said it lodged complaints over recent “maritime infringements and provocations” and for “hyping up” maritime disputes.
China’s expansive territorial claims in the key maritime trade route overlap with the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal said Beijing’s claims, based on its historic maps, have no basis under international law, a decision China does not recognise.
Source: CNA
