Comment of Chinese Foreign Ministry on direct line of communication between China and Philippines

Reuters: We understand that a recently signed agreement between China and the Philippines will open a direct line of communication between both countries’ leaders’ offices to help prevent confrontations in the South China Sea from spiraling out of control. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment?

Lin Jian: China is always committed to properly handling maritime issues with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. At the ninth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held earlier this month, the two sides talked about improving the maritime communication mechanism between the two countries. China and the Philippines agreed to further enhance communication and dialogue between diplomatic and coast guard agencies, so as to jointly keep the maritime situation and the overall bilateral relationship stable.