PH, China agree on ‘friendly consultation’ on sea dispute — Chinese Embassy

FIRST BILATERAL TALKS Easily a highlight of President Marcos’ attendance at this year’s Asia-Pacifific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok is his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday night. (Photo courtesy of Office of the Press Secretary)

BANGKOK, Thailand — The Philippines and China have agreed to hold “friendly consultation” regarding the South China Sea dispute, the Chinese Embassy said on Friday, adding that the two nations should team up “to reject unilateralism and acts of bullying.”

The embassy’s remark came after Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s bilateral meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday.

“On the South China Sea, the two sides must stick to friendly consultation and handle differences and disputes properly,” the Chinese embassy shared in a statement.

Asked in a message if Marcos and Xi agreed to the “friendly consultation,” the embassy answered “yes.”

“As two developing countries in Asia, China and the Philippines need to keep strategic independence, uphold peace, openness and inclusiveness, and stay the course of regional cooperation. They should work together to reject unilateralism and acts of bullying, defend fairness and justice, and safeguard peace and stability in the region,” it continued.

Marcos shared an update of their bilateral meeting on Thursday. He, however, did not include any detail on the South China Sea dispute.

He earlier said that he would raise the maritime issue if he meets Xi.

According to Marcos, he and Xi talked about regional concerns, the former’s plans for his scheduled state visit, and boosting ties.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy said that Marcos stressed his consistent view that the bilateral ties of the two nations “should not be defined by maritime issues and that both sides may further enhance communication in this regard.”

The Philippines is also ready, the embassy shared, to engage in consultations with China and look for ways to advance the joint maritime and gas resources exploration.

Moreover, Beijing is willing to import more agricultural and sideline products from the Philippines, according to the embassy.

Marcos also congratulated Xi on his reelection as the general secretary of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

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