Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 21)— China is hoping for a “positive outcome” from its bilateral meeting with the Philippines scheduled this Friday, where officials are expected to tackle issues surrounding the South China Sea.
In a press briefing Thursday, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian confirmed Beijing and Manila will hold their sixth bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.
Expected to attend the virtual event are Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao, Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Elizabeth Buensuceso, and other representatives from the foreign affairs, defense, agriculture, and environment sectors.
“They will exchange views on the current situation in the South China Sea and maritime issues between the two countries, and discuss ways to further expand exchanges and cooperation on maritime search and rescue, fisheries, ecological conservation, scientific research, and other areas,” the spokesperson said.
“We hope this meeting will produce positive outcomes,” he added.
Established in 2017, the BCM became a platform for the two countries to discuss “confidence-building measures and promote maritime security and cooperation,” according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
No other details about the meeting were provided so far.
The bilateral talks come amid the flurry of diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines against the East Asian giant over the presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters. The latest protest lodged by the Department of Foreign Affairs was against China’s “unilateral” fishing ban in the South China Sea.
THREAD: The Philippines and China will hold its 6th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) today on the South China Sea | @TristanNodalo pic.twitter.com/hwgK5KyZGC
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) May 21, 2021
