Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo (right) reacting after a joint press conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Taguig City on Jan 15, 2025. - AP
MANILA: China and the Philippines are holding talks on their South China Sea dispute, Manila’s top envoy said Wednesday (Jan 15), as tensions rise anew over Beijing’s giant vessel in disputed waters.
Preparatory discussions are underway in Xiamen while the meeting between vice ministers is scheduled for Thursday, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told reporters after a briefing with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya.
The routine diplomatic talks come after Manila protested the "illegal” actions of Chinese vessels and aircraft in the disputed South China Sea, a vast swathe of which is claimed by Beijing.
The Philippines has told China to immediately withdraw its 12,000-tonne coast guard ship known as "The Monster” which was spotted 77 nautical miles (143km) off its shores. Beijing has said its coast guard’s "law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law is beyond reproach.”
During the briefing, Iwaya expressed grave concern over China’s actions in the disputed sea, and pledged sustained maritime support for the Philippines. - Bloomberg
