China has urged the Philippines to refrain from carrying out "improper" relations that could destabilize its policy over the South China Sea.
The ongoing dispute over both nations' territorial claims on the disputed parts of the South China Sea was discussed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin in Tunxi, Anhui Province.
According to a media release from China, both sides believe that "maritime issues should be put in a proper place in bilateral relations."
Wang stressed that at present, it is "vital to prevent improper measures from disrupting or even damaging bilateral relations and the stability of the South China Sea."
He also said that China is ready to work with other nations in taking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as an opportunity to step up consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and make joint efforts in making the disputed waters into a "sea of peace and cooperation."
Locsin, for his part, said that the Philippines is ready to make joint efforts and strengthen communications with China over the matter.
Both nations have been locked in a years-long dispute over parts of South China Sea, with the Philippines claiming some portions of it as its own West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 ruled in favor of the Philippines over the matter, saying that China's historic "nine-dash line" claim over the WPS has no legal basis.
This ruling, however, was rejected by Beijing, with Chinese Coast Guard ships continuing maritime activities over the disputed waters that led to small clashes over the years.
