Theresa Lazaro had “frank and constructive” discussions at a regular bilateral meeting on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday, according to the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. Philippines and Chinese vessels clashed in recent months despite a January agreement to ease conflict, casting doubts on the effectiveness of the bilateral mechanism to defuse tensions in one of the region’s flashpoints. Chinese vessels used water cannons on Philippine ships in the past months, damaging them and hurting their crew, while Beijing has maintained that its actions were lawful and professional. Tuesday’s talks come weeks after a June 17 South China Sea encounter between Chinese and Philippine vessels that led to a Filipino sailor losing a finger. During the meeting, the Philippines said it underscored to China that it will be “relentless in protecting its interests” and upholding its rights in the South China Sea.

Source: The Standard July 03, 2024 18:02 UTC