China-Philippines diplomatic ties are reinforced as talks on maritime dispute are scheduled in May. The two countries will conduct the first meeting of a bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea conflict, according to the statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying given on Tuesday.
"Currently, the two sides are maintaining friendly negotiations on the issue," she said at a regular press conference.
In January, China and the Philippines held the 20th diplomatic consultation between the two countries. Both have agreed on setting up a bilateral consultation mechanism on South China Sea dispute to talk about issues of common concern and promote maritime cooperation and security.
To develop a positive atmosphere for sensible cooperation and the sound and stable deepening of ties, Hua said that China is prepared to support dialogue with the Philippines to properly manage and control divergences and enhance maritime cooperation.
The delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has also been invited by the Chinese government to visit the country at an earlier date, she said.
The two countries drafted a list of cooperative programs in 2017 during the founding conference of the Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation in February. Among the listed programs are high-level visits, vessel visits, maritime operations and related exercises and capacity building, Hua added.
The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman also said that the cooperation between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards will enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two parties, in an attempt to bring in new vitality into the deepening of ties.
The relationship between the Philippines and China had turned sour during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, the previous president of the Philippines. The two countries were involved in a heated dispute over territories in the South China Sea.
Since his administration started in June 2016, Duterte has made efforts to restore the ties between the two countries. His four-day visit to China last October suggests the mending of the soured China-Philippines relations.
In his speech earlier this month, Duterte stated that his official visit to Beijing has led to a closer bilateral trade and people-to-people ties.
Both countries are looking forward to the maritime dispute talks, hoping to boost China-Philippines diplomatic ties.