The Philippines and the People’s Republic of China are scheduled to have “bilateral mechanism” talks over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute this coming May. “Through this bilateral mechanism, mutual trust and maritime cooperation will be forged and misunderstandings will be avoided,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhu, Abella said, is determined to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states in finalizing the maritime code of conduct by middle of the year.

Golez, Prince. (2017, March 29). PH, China mounting talks over sea of cooperation. Panay News, p. 11.