Xi Jinping pushes Philippines and Vietnam to solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues

President Xi address the opening ceremony of G20 on Sept. 4
President Xi address the opening ceremony of G20 on Sept. 4 (photo: Screenshot from CCTV 13)
By Michelle GuanzonNovember 23rd, 2016

Disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, according to China's President Xi Jinping during his separate meeting with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam.

The comments emphasize Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organizations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

According to some experts,  China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together.

To recall, United States were continually blamed by Beijing for worsening the trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters.

Chinese President Xi told Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interactions on the sea during a meeting on Peru by converting South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation, according the official Xinhua news agency.

Moreover, The Philippines is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation, Xinhua added.

Xi made the same proposal to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima.

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