China hopes to 'meet halfway' with Philippines on sea row

MANILA, Philippines - China is hoping to improve its relationship with the Philippines as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits the Philippines.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario invited Wang in preparation for the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Philippines for the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila.

READ: Chinese president confirms APEC Manila attendance

"It is hoped that the Philippine side will meet China halfway, implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries during last year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, constructively handle relevant issues and create atmosphere and conditions for the return of bilateral relations to the right course of development," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said in a press briefing on Monday.

Wang is set to meet with Del Rosario and other senior officials of the Philippines to compare notes on preparing for the arrival of the Chinese president and to exchange views on how to improve the relationship of the two countries.

Hong noted that the bilateral relationship between China and the Philippines is "beset by difficulties" due to the maritime dispute over the South China Sea.

"This is not what the Chinese side wants to see. The Chinese side attaches importance to its relationship with the Philippines and stays committed to properly resolving relevant issues through consultations and negotiations," Hong said.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations recently issued its Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility in connection to the arbitration case between the Philippines and China.

The Philippines welcomed the tribunal's decision, considering it as a "significant step forward" while China maintained that the jurisdictional decision will not affect its sovereignty in the disputed sea.

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