President Rodrigo Duterte vowed Monday that the Philippines would continue to “peacefully engage” with China to lower tensions in the South China Sea, saying that bilateral meetings that would be held for the first time on May 17 were a step in the right direction towards settling the territorial dispute between the two countries. Formed during President Duterte’s first trip to China last year, the bilateral consultative mechanism (BCM) will see Filipino and Chinese officials meet for the first time from May 18 to 19 to tackle the South China Sea dispute. Duterte said the mechanism should be used to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Bencito, J. P. (2017, May 16). PH, China set 'peace' gab: bilateral talks slated on May 17, a first in joint bid to end sea row. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.