The Philippines and China have agreed to address differences on the South China Sea through open and cordial dialogue as well as forge on possible cooperation in the areas of fisheries, marine research and protection. The two sides also renewed commitment to the early conclusion of the code of conduct in the strategic waterway during the sixth meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea Thursday. The latest consensus was reached after the Philippine government called for respect and adherence to international law and asserted the arbitral award in the virtual BCM meeting. Manila earlier protested the recent incursions of Chinese vessels into the country’s waters.

Kabiling, G. (2021, May 23). PH, China agree to hold dialogue to ease tension at South China Sea. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 5.