China wants to meet Philippines halfway on the issue of West Philippine Sea dispute. “It is hoped that the Philippine side will meet China halfway, implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries during last year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, constructively handle relevant issues and create atmosphere and conditions for the return of bilateral relations to the right course of development,” Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said in a press briefing November 9.
Foreign Affairs Minister of China Wang Yi is scheduled to meet Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario today. The high-level bilateral meeting today is first after tension in light of West Philippine Sea dispute between Philippines and China started in 2012.
“The bilateral relationship is beset by difficulties due to reasons known to all. This is not what the Chinese side wants to see. The Chinese side attaches importance to its relationship with the Philippines and stays committed to properly resolving relevant issues through consultations and negotiations,” the Chinese spokesman added.
Foreign Affairs Minister of China and Secretary del Rosario will “exchange views on how to improve the relationship between China and the Philippines,” Hong Lei added.
Wang Yi and del Rosario will also make preparations for the planned Manila visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting next week.
Join the Conversation