A foreign ministry statement said the two sides “agreed to continue dialogue and consultations to control disputes and differences” and called the talks “candid and constructive.”
The meeting discussed ways to improve maritime communication mechanisms between the two countries and promote dialogue between their coast guards.
China has urged the Philippines to “immediately stop its maritime violations and provocations and get back on the right track of resolving disputes through dialogue” in order to stabilize bilateral relations, the statement said.
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Chinese and Philippine ships collide for first time under Beijing’s new coast guard law
Chinese and Philippine ships collide for first time under Beijing’s new coast guard law
In a separate statement on Tuesday night, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said the two countries had “made significant progress in developing measures to manage the situation at sea, but significant differences remain.”
Tuesday’s meeting was co-chaired by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Teresa Lazaro.
The incident came after several naval clashes between the two countries that raised concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict in the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The clashes also drew criticism from the United States and its allies.
These include an incident on June 17 at Second Thomas Shoal, when the Chinese Coast Guard blocked a Philippine Navy mission to resupply troops stationed on the disputed reef. Eight Philippine sailors were injured in the ensuing clash, including one who lost a thumb.
The following day, the US State Department condemned China’s “escalating and irresponsible actions” and reaffirmed the US obligation to defend the Philippines under a 1951 treaty.
Tuesday’s talks were also attended by officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, natural resources and coast guard, a Chinese statement said.
Chinese and Philippine officials have met eight times so far under the bilateral mechanism, which was established in 2017, months after former President Rodrigo Duterte took office.
The mechanism was part of an agreement between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping after the Philippine leader annulled the country’s victory in an international arbitration tribunal over China’s historic claims in the South China Sea.
At the same time, Xi promised to allow Philippine fishermen access to Scarborough Shoal, another disputed area in the South China Sea, and pledged economic assistance to the Philippines.
The two sides last met under the consultative mechanism in January, when they agreed to “further improve maritime communications and properly manage differences through consultations” during their meeting in Shanghai.
But continuing maritime tensions since the January meeting have raised doubts about whether the mechanism can be sustained under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who replaces Duterte.
