China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meeting with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the south China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported yesterday. The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involved other countries in international organizations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Experts say China prefers a "divide and conquer" tactic to allowing its opponents to group together.

Porcalla, D. (2018, November 21). China to Phl, Vietnam: Keep sea row issues bilateral. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 17.