BEIJING — China announced on Wednesday that it held “candid” high-level discussions with the Philippines over tensions in the South China Sea, particularly surrounding a disputed reef that has recently been the scene of multiple confrontations between the two nations.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong met with his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro in Beijing, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
“The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on maritime issues between China and the Philippines, especially the issue of Xianbin Reef,” the statement read, referring to the disputed Sabina Shoal by its Chinese name.
In recent weeks, Chinese and Philippine vessels have repeatedly clashed in the waters near Sabina Shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guard has stationed a ship to prevent China from taking control of the reef.
China reaffirmed its demand for the “immediate withdrawal” of the Philippine vessel and stated it would “firmly uphold its sovereignty.”
Earlier this month, China defended its actions in the area, asserting it was protecting its “rights” after the Philippines released video footage that appeared to show a Chinese coast guard ship colliding with one of its vessels during a confrontation at sea.
Located 140 kilometers (86 miles) west of Palawan in the Philippines and about 1,200 kilometers from China’s Hainan island, Sabina Shoal remains a key flashpoint in the ongoing maritime dispute.
Tensions have also escalated near other contested reefs in the region. Meanwhile, a senior U.S. military official this week warned China against its “dangerous” actions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines remains a strategic ally of the United States.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Samuel Paparo held a video call with Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese army’s Southern Theater Command, on Tuesday, in an effort to restore regular military-to-military dialogue between the two countries.
China continues to claim nearly the entire South China Sea, despite competing territorial claims from several neighboring nations.
During Wednesday’s meeting, “the two sides agreed to continue to maintain communication through diplomatic channels,” the Chinese foreign ministry added.