Manila Bulletin
'Mutual respect, sincerity' evident in maritime claim talks between Marcos, Xi
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that China, under President Xi Jinping, vowed to find a compromise to ease tensions and allow Filipino fishermen access to traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos Jr. clarified that China would not have a unilateral say on when Filipino fishermen can return to these grounds.
Both leaders agreed to establish direct lines of communication between their Departments of Foreign Affairs to immediately address confrontations and minimize incidents in the WPS.
Marcos attributed past friction in the WPS to a lack of rapid communication between Manila and Beijing.
The agreement on a communication mechanism was part of 13 other bilateral deals signed between the two countries.
Xi also told Marcos that China is ready to resume oil and gas talks with the Philippines, a development Marcos expressed hope would bear fruit.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made his first bilateral visit to China to strengthen economic ties and cooperation, aiming to discuss political-security issues and the West Philippine Sea.
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to establish a direct communication mechanism to prevent misunderstandings and incidents in the West Philippine Sea.
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A fisherfolk group has urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to assert the Philippines' rights over the West Philippine Sea during his state visit to China.
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The Philippines and China are set to sign an agreement during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Beijing from January 3 to 5, 2023, to establish direct communication channels between their foreign ministries.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines following his state visit to China.
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