SOUTH CHINA SEA ISSUE

Both sides exchanged views on issues regarding the South China Sea and both sides affirmed that contentious issues are not the sum total of the China-Philippines bilateral relationship. Both sides exchanged views on the importance of handling the disputes in the South China Sea in an appropriate manner. Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and stability, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea, and addressing territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, but through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 UNCLOS.

Both sides commit to the full and effective implementation of DOC in its entirety, and work substantively toward the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) based on consensus.

Both sides agree to continue discussions on confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust and confidence and to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. In this regard, in addition to and without prejudice to other mechanisms, a bilateral consultation mechanism can be useful. Both sides also agree to explore other areas of cooperation.

Both sides commit to enhance cooperation between their respective Coast Guards, to address maritime emergency incidents, as well as humanitarian and environmental concerns in the South China Sea.