China, Philippines talks silent on militarisation of South China Sea
Beijing and Manila agree to pursue further joint efforts on oil and gas exploration in disputed waters but observers say they are likely to remain symbolic
China and the Philippines pledged to further cooperate to explore oil and gas in the South China Sea as the two sides wrapped up talks on managing disputes over the contested waters, but both sides were silent on China’s construction work and military activities in the region.
A statement released after the talks in Manila on Tuesday said both nations reaffirmed that maritime issues were not the “sum total” of Sino-Philippine relations.
The two sides had intensive discussions on convening working groups on oil and gas, plus other areas including fisheries, marine scientific research and marine environmental protection, the statement added.
China and the Philippines could strengthen cooperation in these areas “without prejudice to their respective positions on sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction”, the statement said.
The meeting was attended by the Philippine foreign undersecretary for policy, Enrique Manalo, and Chinese vice-foreign minister Kong Xuanyou.