Talks between the Philippines and China to thresh out the dispute over the South China Sea have been scheduled in May. Both the Philippine and Chinese governments confirmed the scheduled discussions as part of the efforts to normalize relations between the two countries following the longstanding dispute over the resource-rich South China Sea. In a statement yesterday. Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said that right now the two sides are discussing the specific dates in May for the meeting. In a press briefing in Beijing, a transcript of which was posted in the official website of the Chinese embassy in Manila, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the two sides agreed during the 20th round of Sino-Philippine diplomatic consultation last January to establish a bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea issue, with the two foreign ministries as the coordinators, to discuss issues of mutual concern and promote maritime cooperation and security.

Mabasa, R., & Quismorio, E. A. (2017, March 30). PH, China to tackle conflict: discussions on South China Sea bilateral mechanism set for May. Manila Bulletin. pp. 1, 6.