Philippines, China commit to diplomacy, de-escalation in South China Sea

A Chinese Coast Guard ship is seen blocking the direction of a Philippine Coast Guard ship conducting a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the South China Sea.

Credit: Reuters File Photo

Manila: The Philippines and China have committed to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea and resolve disagreement through diplomacy, Manila's foreign ministry said in a statement released on Thursday.

The two sides had "frank and productive discussions" during the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai, the ministry said.