The agreement would establish a direct line of communication between the two countries ‘ presidential offices, according to an article from The Associated Press ( AP ).
When asked for comment during a regular press conference on Wednesday ( Jul 17 ), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian did not address whether direct communication between the presidential offices would be established.
Mr. Lin claimed in his answer that both nations agreed to further improve communication and dialogue between political and coast guard agencies in order to simultaneously maintain the maritime situation and the bilateral relationship as a whole.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson added that the country is” committed to properly handling coastal relationships with the Philippines through speech and conversation.”  ,
On Wednesday, the foreign department of the Philippines did not respond to requests for comment on the subject.
CHALLENGE TO CHINA
Last month, the Philippines accused China’s coast guard of consciously ramming and deliberately slamming military ships and seizing weapons to obstruct a recharge mission to troops stationed on the ship grounded at the reef, seriously injuring a Filipino soldier who lost a hand.
China claimed that the Philippine ship had “deliberately and frighteningly” approached a Chinese fleet, causing a minor collision, and had illegally invaded its territory.
The two parties have established a line between their respective nautical offices, so this is not the first time the two parties have reached this arrangement regarding communications channels.
They agreed during the current intergovernmental conference on the need to “restore confidence” and “rebuild self-confidence” to better control issues.
The Spanish supplies operations, usually accompanied by press, have riled China, which sees the Next Thomas Shoal as part of its territory, despite being 1, 300km off its island and within Manila’s EEZ.