China and Philippines agree to maintain dialogue - NHKニュース

The foreign ministers of China and the Philippines have agreed during a phone call to maintain dialogue. This comes amid deepening maritime disputes between the two countries in the South China Sea.

The call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro took place on Tuesday.

China's Foreign Ministry quoted Wang as saying during the conversation that a small number of politicians have repeatedly attacked and slandered China. It said Wang stated that the Philippines should be cautious about its words on maritime issues.

The ministry added that the two nations agreed to maintain diplomatic dialogue, manage differences and stabilize the situation.

Lazaro said in a social media post that she had a frank and constructive discussion with Wang. She wrote, "Both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect."

The two countries have been at odds over territorial rights in the South China Sea. In July, China Coast Guard personnel injured a Philippine service member with a wooden baton at sea.

The row deepened after China lashed out at Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, accusing him of criticizing Beijing.

The talks between Wang and Lazaro come as both countries are scheduled to host international conferences in the middle of this month.

Later in November, a summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is due to be held in the Philippines. That will be followed by a summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in China.

Ahead of the conferences, the two sides are believed to be trying to make arrangements to stabilize their relations.