The Philippines voiced concerns on the South China Sea, including incidents that endangered its vessels and personnel, during negotiations between ASEAN and China for a code of conduct in those waters, its foreign ministry said on Monday.

The Philippines, which hosted the latest round of talks last week, also reiterated its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully and pursuing constructive diplomatic approaches in managing differences at sea, the ministry said in a statement.

The South China Sea remains a source of tension between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours, with ties between Beijing and U.S. ally Manila at their worst in years amid frequent confrontations that have sparked concerns they could spiral into conflict.

In February, the Philippines coast guard accused the Chinese navy of performing dangerous flight manoeuvres near a government aircraft patrolling a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, an account Beijing disputed.