China commends Philippines for constructive attitude in consultations on COC: MFA
By Zhang Jian
People's Daily app
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China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said China highly commends the Philippines for its positive and constructive attitude in the consultation on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea on Thursday.

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MFA spokesperson Hua Chunying at a regular press conference on November 8. (Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

"At the end of last month, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the Philippines and made in-depth exchanges with Philippine leaders, including Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin, on strengthening maritime cooperation and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. We have achieved a number of new important consensuses," MFA spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

"We have noted Philippine Foreign Minister Locsin's remarks," said Hua in response to a reporter's question at the regular press conference in Beijing. "At present, under the joint efforts of China and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including the Philippines, the situation in the South China Sea has remained generally stable. The countries concerned have returned to the right track that handling differences through dialogue and consultation. Negotiations on the COC text continue to advance.”

"The peace and stability of the South China Sea is in line with the common interests of the countries in the region and is their common aspiration and responsibility. China will continue to work with ASEAN countries including the Philippines to actively promote COC consultations and pragmatic cooperation in the South China Sea and consolidate the current good situation," Hua stressed.