MANILA, Philippines — After a long postponement, the Philippines and China on Friday resumed bilateral talks on the South China Sea amid growing tensions over the critical waterway. "The two sides had friendly and candid exchanges on the general situation and specific issues of concern in the South China Sea. China continues to reject the July 2016 ruling of an UNCLOS-backed tribunal that invalidated its nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. "Both sides reiterated the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and their commitment to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC)." READ: Senators push ‘united stand’, multilateral approach on South China Sea disputeThe Philippines on Tuesday protested China's imposition of a unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, noting that it covers areas within the West Philippine Sea where Manila exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

Source: Philippine Star May 22, 2021 03:35 UTC