TIME

Philippines to Pursue ‘Formal Talks’ With China

HONG KONG-CHINA-PHILIPPINES-US-MARITIME-DIPLOMACY
Anthony Wallace—AFP/Getty Images Ex-Philippine President Fidel Ramos, center, whom President Rodrigo Duterte named as his envoy for talks with Beijing, speaks to the press shortly after his arrival at Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong on Aug. 8, 2016

Tensions between the two countries have grown in recent years

The Philippines will pursue formal talks with China in an effort to bring “peace” and “cooperation” to the bilateral relationship, says Manila’s special envoy to China, Fidel Ramos.

Tensions between the two countries have grown in recent years over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. However, Reuters reports, Ramos’ meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying resulted in the issuing of a joint statement that said the two sides were aware of “the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation.”

Since taking office in June, new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made conciliatory remarks on China and indicated a willingness for dialogue even though an international court recently ruled in Manila’s favor in its maritime dispute with Beijing.

Control over the South China Sea is seen as vital by an increasingly assertive Beijing, which has embarked on a aggressive program of island-building in the strategic waterway, through which more than $5 trillion in trade flows annually.

Tap to read full story

Your browser is out of date. Please update your browser at http://update.microsoft.com


YOU BROKE TIME.COM!

Dear TIME Reader,

As a regular visitor to TIME.com, we are sure you enjoy all the great journalism created by our editors and reporters. Great journalism has great value, and it costs money to make it. One of the main ways we cover our costs is through advertising.

The use of software that blocks ads limits our ability to provide you with the journalism you enjoy. Consider turning your Ad Blocker off so that we can continue to provide the world class journalism you have become accustomed to.

The TIME Team