China, Philippines agree to boost ties

Bloomberg

The presidents of China and the Philippines agreed to strengthen cooperation and discuss maritime differences amicably after meeting in Beijing, according to Chinese state media.
“China is willing to properly handle maritime issues with
the Philippines side through friendly consultation, and restart negotiations on oil
and gas exploration,” China Central Television quoted President Xi Jinping as saying. The two countries plan to also expand cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure and culture, CCTV reported following Xi’s meeting with Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Marcos’s visit comes amid renewed tension between the nations over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Bloomberg News reported earlier that China is building up several unoccupied land features, prompting the Chinese Foreign Ministry to say “the relevant report is purely made out of thin air.”