China and the Philippines hold crucial talks to ease tensions after intense clash in disputed waters

China, Philippines Pledge to De-escalate Tensions in South China Sea

The "frank and constructive discussions” came two weeks after a major clash close to Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

China and Philippines Try to Defuse South China Sea Tensions

Chinese and Philippine diplomats agreed to ease South China Sea tensions but stood firm on their nations’ claims during a meeting that followed one of their most serious maritime clashes. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro had “frank and constructive” discussions at a regular bilateral meeting on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday, according to the Philippines’ Depar…

China, Philippines agree to keep talking to ease South China Sea tensions

‘Frank and constructive’ talks seek to manage differences through negotiations in the interests of peace and stability.

Beijing and Manila hold talks to defuse South China Sea tensionsFinancial Times

Meeting comes two weeks after China menaced Philippine boats near Indo-Pacific flashpoint

Philippines agrees with China to de-escalate South China Sea tensions

Chinese coast guard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an axe surrounded and boarded three Philippine navy boats on June 17 during a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal. A Filipino soldier lost a finger in the clash, with Manila also accusing the Chinese coast guard of looting guns and damaging three boats as well as navigational and communication equipment

Philippines, China agree to ease tensions in South China Sea

Move follows confrontation in contested waters last month