The Philippines and China agree to improve communication concerning contested territory

The Philippines and China have agreed to continue talks to relieve tensions around the contested territory in the West Philippine Sea.

In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, left, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong shake hands during the Philippines and China 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila, Philippines, Tuesday July 2, 2024. Credit: Department of Foreign Affairs via AP/AAP Image

Key Points

• Ito ang pinakamataas na antas ng pulong ng dalawang bansa mula nang mangyari ang mga agresibong pagtataboy ng mga barko ng China sa mga barko ng Pilipinas sa Ayungin Shoal at sa iba pang bahagi ng West Philippine Sea ngayong taon.
• The deal was reached during talks between Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong during a visit in Manila.
• Included in the agreements is the improvement of maritime communication mechanisms and continued dialogue and consultation.
• The recent dialogue was the highest level talks between the two countries since the escalation of tension this year.