Philippines and China pledge to resolve South China Sea issues

Maritime foes agree to advance coast guard and marine scientific cooperation

20250116 South China Sea

These Chinese Maritime Militia vessels were photographed near the Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, a South China Sea flashpoint, on March 5, 2024. © Reuters

MANILA (Reuters) -- The Philippines and China agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite their disagreements in the South China Sea, their foreign ministries said on Thursday, as heated rows persist over vessels deployed around disputed features.

The countries on Thursday held a 10th round of talks under a bilateral consultation mechanism set up to address issues in the South China Sea, where disputes have been frequent and tense, with ties at their lowest point in years.

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