(Reuters) — China and the Philippines on Friday commenced their consultation mechanism for issues surrounding the South China Sea, by having their first consultative meeting in Guiyang in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.
Representing their countries at the meeting were vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin and Philippine ambassador to China Jose Sta. Romana.
The meeting was held in the wake of the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations consultation on the framework of Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
This consultation was also held in Guiyang on Thursday.
“In January this year, during the 20th China-Philippines bilateral diplomatic consultation co-chaired by Acting Secretary Manalo of the Philippines‘ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and myself, the two sides agreed to formally establish this bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea issue. We also reached our consensus on the reference of the scope of the mechanism. I’m very glad to see after several months of hard work and preparation, this mechanism is finally up and running here in the picturesque city of Guiyang,” said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.
The Philippines‘ new ambassador to China expressed confidence in and desire for the consultative mechanism.
“We are committed to peace and stability and security of the region, and we are here to find ways forward to achieve these goals. Thus we are pleased to be here today for the exchange of views on such an important matter for us and for the wider region,” said Sta. Romana.
Friday’s meeting between China and the Philippines was held behind closed doors.
The two countries went through some difficulties with the South China Sea issues in the past five years.
But now they have returned to the right path of consultation and negotiation, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
“Guided by the leaders of our two countries, China and the Philippines will continue to push forward our friendly cooperation, and through bilateral channels, we will exchange views on South China Sea issues, manage our maritime differences, and enhance maritime cooperation,” said the senior Chinese diplomat at the meeting.
