China, Philippines agree to handle disputes ‘peacefully’, boost cooperation

China and the Philippines said in a joint statement on Thursday they have agreed to set up a direct communications channel between their foreign ministries
on the South China Sea to handle disputes peacefully.
The joint statement, which contained 14 agreements aimed at cooling security tensions and boosting economic cooperation, comes as both sides strive to mend a relationship hurt after the Philippines sought a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippines has previously raised concerns over reported Chinese construction activities and the “swarming” of Beijing’s vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea, an area rich in oil, gas and fishery resources.
In the joint statement issued after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, both leaders reaffirmed that their countries would respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.