Philippines, China to improve maritime communicationRepresentatives of the two countries arrived at the consensus during the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China have discussed improving maritime communication mechanisms and promoting dialogue between their coast guards, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry. Representatives of the two countries arrived at the consensus during the 9th Meeting of their Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday. China’s foreign ministry said the two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea, particularly on handling the situation in Ayungin Shoal. On Tuesday, Beijing deployed its massive coast guard vessel with body number 5901 – called “The Monster” – to Ayungin Shoal.
