Chinese minister Sun Weidong to visit Philippines for talks on South China Sea
- Sun Weidong will meet his Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro during his visit to the country
- The visit comes as the Philippines has moved to strengthen its ties with the US amid fears of growing Chinese assertiveness
The visit takes place after recent moves by Manila to strengthen its ties with the United States amid fears of growing Chinese assertiveness.
Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said on Monday that Sun would visit the Southeast Asian country between Wednesday and Friday and meet his Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro.
Wang said the talks will cover the South China Sea and will be the first face-to-face meetings between the two foreign ministries since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wang said both sides would seek to advance cooperation while “properly handling” maritime disputes, and exchange views on international and regional issues.
“We hope and believe that this visit will enhance mutual understanding and trust, facilitate closer communication and coordination, and galvanise joint efforts to realise the sound and steady growth of bilateral ties,” he said.