China, Philippines Agree Not to Allow Differences to Affect Bilateral TiesChina and the Philippines agreed Wednesday to continue with their commitment not to allow their differences over the issue of the South China Sea to affect the overall development of their bilateral ties.In a joint press statement issued at the end of the third China- Philippines Experts' Group Meeting on Confidence-Building Measures here, the two sides said developing friendship and cooperation between the two countries conforms with the basic interests of the two peoples. It said the two sides expressed satisfaction that the two-day meeting manifested the determination of both countries to " preserve and advance the excellent relations between them". They agreed that the two countries should establish "a long- term and stable relationship" on the basis of good neighborliness, cooperation and mutual trust and benefit in accordance with the China-Philippines Joint Statement on the Framework of Bilateral Cooperation in the 21st Century, which was issued last year in Beijing. The two sides reviewed the situation in the South China Sea, and agreed to continue with the commitment not to allow bilateral differences to affect the overall development of the relations between the two countries, the enormous potentials of which remain un-exploited. They exchanged views on the incidents around Huangyan Island/ Scarborough Shoal, and agreed that "neither side shall take any action that might complicate and escalate the situation in this area," it said. The two sides noted that the bilateral consultation mechanism to explore ways of cooperation in the South China Sea has been effective. The series of understanding and consensus reached by the two sides have played a constructive role in maintaining the sound development of China-Philippines relations and peace and stability of the South China Sea area. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed previous agreements and understanding on principles provided under August 1995 Joint Statement on China-Philippines Consultations on the South China Sea and on Other Areas of Cooperation, and those achieved during the previous two meetings on confidence-building measures. |
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