But analysts say there was little sign that either side was ready to back down on their sovereignty claims.
Philippine Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro meeting Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong in Manila on July 2.
“The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” said the Philippine statement, which added that “significant differences remain”. Ayungin is the local name for the Second Thomas Shoal.
They also agreed to hold the 10th meeting of the bilateral talks in China, although no specific date was mentioned. In its statement about the meeting, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the country reiterated its sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including the Ren’ai Jiao, referring to the Chinese names for the Spratly Islands and Second Thomas Shoal, respectively.
“This signals there is mutual intention to set aside more contentious claims for now, and use this dialogue mechanism to manage differences and prevent accidents from happening.” The Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands lies in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, but also falls within China’s expansive nine-dash line, which it says forms a historical basis for its claims to most of the South China Sea.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines to resist China's 'reckless behaviour' in South China SeaMANILA: The Philippines' defence minister said on Monday (June 17) that the country's armed forces will resist China's "dangerous and reckless behaviour" in territory claimed by Manila in the South China Sea.
Read more »
Philippines to resist China's 'reckless behaviour' in South China SeaMANILA: The Philippines' defence minister said on Monday (Jun 17) that the country's armed forces will resist China's "dangerous and reckless behaviour" in territory claimed by Manila in the South China Sea.
Read more »
Philippines accuses China of 'piracy' after coast guard boarded navy vessels in South China SeaMANILA: The Philippine military said on Wednesday (Jun 19) that the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in the South China Sea this week in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb.
Read more »
Philippines needs to 'do more' than protest China's actions in South China Sea, Marcos saysMANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday (Jun 27) that a Jun 17 incident at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea was not an "armed attack" by China against Manila's s
Read more »
Swedish defence chief says actions against Philippines in South China Sea threaten global securityMANILA, Philippines: Sweden’s defence chief has expressed alarm over Beijing’s repeated dangerous manoeuvres against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, saying such actions threaten security, undermine stability and underscore the need to invest 'for our security and freedom".
Read more »
Philippines files UN claim to extended continental shelf in South China SeaMANILA: The Philippines filed a claim with the UN on Saturday (Jun 15) to an extended continental shelf (ECS) in the South China Sea, a waterway where it has had increasingly confrontational maritime disputes with China.
Read more »