China and the Philippines hold the 10th meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, January 16, 2025. /Chinese Foreign Ministry
China and the Philippines held the 10th meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM) in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province on Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced in a statement.
The two sides had a candid and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, believing that this serves the common interests of countries in the region, including China and the Philippines. They agreed to strengthen maritime dialogue and communication and properly handle maritime differences and disagreements.
China has lodged solemn representations with the Philippines over its recent infringing and provocative acts in the sea and hyping up maritime disputes between the two countries, the ministry said, adding that China urges the Philippines to strictly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, properly handle differences with China through dialogue and consultation, jointly manage the maritime situation and push bilateral relations back on the right track at an early date.
The two sides also agreed to continue to promote practical maritime cooperation in coast guard, marine science and technology, environmental protection, and other fields.
The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Maria Theresa P. Lazaro.
