The Philippines and China have started the rounds of consultations on the South China Sea, which would play a big role in ensuring diplomacy between the two countries which are clashing for territorial sovereignty. At the opening session of the 23rd Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) in Manila on Thursday, high ranking diplomats of both countries sought to maintain friendly relations between Manila and Beijing for the benefit of its peoples amid differences. Their sentiment aims to build on the mutual understanding reached by President Marcos and Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping when they discussed matters on the South China Sea during the Philippine leader's visit to Beijing in January.

Pedrajas, J. (2023, March 24). PH, China start talks on South China Sea. Manila Bulletin, p. 9.