The Philippines and China are in "very serious conversations" over Beijing's activities in the South China Sea, a foreign affairs official said Friday. Government agencies are "not being remiss in their duties" even if the discussions are not public, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said.

Placido, D. (2018, June 2-3). Manila, Beijing in 'very serious conversations,' says DFA official. The Manila Times, p. 12.