China, Philippines agree to lower tensions in South China Sea, boost communications

Philippine Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro meeting Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong in Manila on July 2. - Photo: The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA/BEIJING: China and the Philippines have agreed to restore trust and build confidence in the South China Sea, two weeks after a skirmish near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal left a Filipino soldier injured and raised the risk of a serious conflict.

The agreement came after officials from both sides held “frank and constructive” talks on the South China Sea in Manila on Tuesday (July 2).