MKS sports Tenth Meeting of the China and Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, held on January 16, 2025 Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-01-16/6393a5ad-18fd-4a76-889c-f405f88efaef.jpeg" />

The Tenth Meeting of the China and Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, held on January 16, 2025 Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese side made solemn representations over the recent infringement and provocative activities of the Philippine side in the South China Sea and hyping China-Philippine disputes relating to the South China Sea during the Tenth Meeting of the China and Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, on Thursday, which was co-chaired by Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

The two sides had a frank and constructive exchange of views on the situation in the South China Sea, and China also called on the Philippine side to strictly abide by the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, adhere to the principle of settling differences with the Chinese side through dialogue and consultation, and jointly manage the situation at sea, so as to promote the early return of bilateral relations to the right track, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

The two sides also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, which is in the common interest of regional countries, including China and the Philippines. Both of them agreed to strengthen dialogues and communication related to South China Sea, appropriately deal with maritime contradictions and differences, and continue to push forward pragmatic cooperation in the fields of coast guard, marine science and technology, and environmental protection.

Representatives of the foreign affairs, defense, natural resources and coast guard departments of China and the Philippines attended the meeting, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

This mechanism [Bilateral Consultation Mechanism] has played a relatively significant role since its establishment, with its main achievements in several aspects including enhancing communication, mutual trust and promoting cooperation in maritime-related fields, Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Chen Xiangmiao said that the unique importance of this meeting is that the Philippines is nearing its midterm elections in May this year, with the South China Sea issue being a significant focal point that is primarily being utilized to stir sentiment domestically and showcase the personal charisma and governance achievements of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Also, in light of the upcoming US administration, there are uncertainties regarding the future direction of US-Philippine relations, which could potentially impact interactions on certain South China Sea issues, the expert added.

According to a report by Reuters on Monday, Japan, the Philippines and the US vowed to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asia's waters, the three countries said following a call among their leaders. The White House said in a statement that the three leaders discussed China's behavior in the South China Sea and agreed on the importance of continued coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to another report by Reuters on Tuesday, the Philippines protested this month against the entry of Chinese vessels in its so-called exclusive economic zone.

Chen Xiangmiao said that the current strategy of the Philippine side is to provoke China at sea while also seeking dialogue, all the while maintaining and even strengthening cooperation with the US and Japan, Chen added.

The expert said that while the fundamental contradictions and differences still remain unresolved, the dialogue and consultation are the only way out.