Philippines, China to set up new channels to handle South China Sea rows

17/7/2024 18:52

        The Philippines and China have agreed to set up new lines of communication to improve their handling of maritime disputes, according to a document and a Philippine diplomatic source, as ties sour over clashes about territory in the South China Sea.
        
        The two countries have traded barbs repeatedly over jurisdiction in the contested South China Sea as the Philippines, emboldened by support of defence ally the United States, challenges China's permanent presence around strategic features inside Manila's exclusive economic zone.
        
        Three communication channels would be established specifically for maritime issues, according to the source, who provided a document with highlights of an "Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms", which was signed on July 2.
        
        "China has always been committed to working with the Philippines to properly address maritime issues through dialogue and consultation," Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a briefing when asked about the agreement.