China and the Philippines are holding talks on their South China Sea dispute, Manila’s top envoy said Wednesday, as tensions rise anew over Beijing’s giant vessel in disputed waters.
Preparatory discussions are underway in Xiamen while the meeting between vice ministers is scheduled for Thursday, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said after a briefing with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya.
The routine diplomatic talks come after Manila protested the “illegal” actions of Chinese vessels and aircraft in the disputed South China Sea, a vast swathe of which is claimed by Beijing.
The Philippines has told China to immediately withdraw its 12,000-ton coast guard ship known as “The Monster” which was spotted 77 nautical miles (143 kilometers) off the Southeast Asian nation’s shores. Beijing has said its coast guard’s “law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law is beyond reproach.”
Iwaya expressed grave concern over China’s actions
Preparatory discussions are underway in Xiamen while the meeting between vice ministers is scheduled for Thursday, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said after a briefing with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya.
The routine diplomatic talks come after Manila protested the “illegal” actions of Chinese vessels and aircraft in the disputed South China Sea, a vast swathe of which is claimed by Beijing.
The Philippines has told China to immediately withdraw its 12,000-ton coast guard ship known as “The Monster” which was spotted 77 nautical miles (143 kilometers) off the Southeast Asian nation’s shores. Beijing has said its coast guard’s “law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law is beyond reproach.”
Iwaya expressed grave concern over China’s actions
20 hours ago
