Phl, China eye code of conduct framework this year
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine and Chinese foreign ministry officials are eyeing a framework on the code of conduct for claimants in the South China Sea by mid-2017.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said both parties spoke at the 20th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations held on Thursday.
The two sides, during the meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to uphold peace and stability in the disputed region.
“Both sides spoke on the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) and the mutual interest to reach a COC framework by the middle of 2017,” the DFA said in a statement.
“The Philippines also conveyed its concerns on recent incidents in the South China Sea,” the DFA added, referring to the reported presence of Chinese weapons systems on artificial islands created by the Chinese inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
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