China, Philippines Try to Defuse Sea Tensions After Flare-Up
- Manila notes ‘substantial’ progress, differences with Beijing
- China, Philippines assert competing maritime claims at talks
China’s expansive maritime claims in recent months have been met with strong pushback from Manila under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Photographer: Martin San Diego/The Washington Post/Getty Images
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Chinese and Philippine diplomats agreed to ease South China Sea tensions but stood firm on their nations’ claims during a meeting that followed one of their most serious maritime clashes.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had “frank and constructive” discussions at a regular bilateral meeting on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday, according to the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs. A similar meeting among senior diplomats was held in Shanghai in January.