Don’t let South China Sea disputes strain ties, China tells new Philippine government

China is calling on the new Philippine government not to let South China Sea disputes come between the two nations, as Manila faces an increasing rivalry between Washington and Beijing in the region.

In his first meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jnr in Manila late on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said no dispute should affect China-Philippines ties, which he said had “historical significance”.