Philippines, China commit to 'peaceful dialogue' in South China Sea dispute

Philippines, China commit to 'peaceful dialogue' in South China Sea dispute

2011-09-01 23:20:57 GMT+7 (ICT)

BEIJING (BNO NEWS) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Thursday discussed the disputed South China Sea during a meeting in Beijing. Both leaders pledged to continue a 'peaceful dialogue'.

Aquino arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening on a five-day state visit. Aside from Beijing, Aquino is also visiting the cities of Shanghai and Xiamen where he is meeting with government officials and businessmen.

After Aquino and Hu held a joint meeting in the Chinese capital, a joint statement released by both countries on Thursday said the leaders expressed their 'positive assessment' of the development of China-Philippines relations since June 1975, when the countries established diplomatic relations.

But the leaders also discussed the South China Sea, of which parts are being claimed by China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. "Both leaders exchanged views on the maritime disputes and agreed not to let the maritime disputes effect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries," the joint statement said.

Aquino and Hu both reiterated their commitment to address the disputes through "peaceful dialogue" and to maintain continued regional peace, security, stability and an environment and conducive to economic progress. The South China Sea is rich in mineral resources.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed by China and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries in 2002.

The document was signed on November 4, 2002, during the Eighth ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, but the implementation is still in its early stages. In July, China and ASEAN countries agreed to guidelines regarding the code of conduct.

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