Negotiations on South China Sea code of conduct starts next month | Global News

ҹ

Negotiations on South China Sea code of conduct starts next month

By: - Reporter /
/ 12:04 AM February 14, 2018

MABINI REEF (JOHNSON SOUTH) One of the Philippine-claimed reefswhere China has built military facilities is Mabini Reef (international name: Johnson South Reef).

The Philippines and China on Tuesday announced that the negotiations for a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea 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.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“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.

FEATURED STORIES

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.”

The meeting happened few days after the Philippine Daily Inquirer and ҹ published exclusive photos of China’s latest building activities and militarization on disputed islands.

Article continues after this advertisement
READ: 

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manila led the Philippine delegations, while Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou represented China.

Article continues after this advertisement

Manila and Beijing also announced the convening of technical working groups on “beneficial joint initiatives” in the areas fisheries, oil and gas, marine scientific research and marine environmental protection, and political security.

Article continues after this advertisement

The relationship between the two countries warmed up under the Duterte administration.

The administration’s handling of the sea disputes and its approval for China’s exploration in the resource-rich Philippine Rise were slammed by critics.

Article continues after this advertisement

But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that the recent dialogue with Beijing shows that the Philippines was “not going soft with China.”

The third meeting will be conducted in China in the second half of 2018. /atm

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the and acknowledge that I have read the .

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for . Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

MOST READ
newsinfo
newsinfo
sports
usa
newsinfo
newsinfo
www
newsinfo
newsinfo
newsinfo
www
TAGS: China-Philippines relations, Code of Conduct, maritime dispute, South China Sea, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the and acknowledge that I have read the .

© Copyright 1997-2024 ҹ | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies.