Top diplomats of the Philippines and China held a "frank and candid" conversation over both countries' relations when they recently talked by phone, which came amid growing differences in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday, Dec. 21.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ended their call on Wednesday "with a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues," the agency said.
"We both noted the importance of dialogue in addressing these issues," it added.
DFA did not provide other details about the discussion.
Meanwhile, China's state run news agency, Xinhua, reported that Wang urged Manalo to take proper management of the current maritime situation and make it a top priority when he granted the latter's request for a phone call.
Xinhua said Wang pinned the blame on the Philippines for the growing tension on the two countries' relations. Wang reportedly said it was because Manila changed its policy stance, reneged on its supposed promises, provoked troubles in the waters and undermined China's rights over the waters.
Wang noted during the call that the bilateral relationship of the two countries now stands at a crossroads, Xinhua added.
The Chinese diplomat also warned the Philippines to avoid misjudging the situation and colluding with external forces as Beijing would defend itself, Xinhua said.
China has been conducting aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the bigger South China Sea, through deploying its militia vessels, conducting dangerous maneuvers, laser pointing on Philippines personnel, and firing water cannons on Philippine vessels.
Wang, according to Xinhua, also urged Manalo that the Philippines should act with caution and return to conducting dialogue with China to handle the sea row.
Meanwhile, DFA said it is of the view that issues raised by Wang "are to be discussed in detail through peaceful dialogue."
Manalo also maintained the Philippines' position but expressed hope that both sides' differences could be managed, according to Xinhua.
Both diplomats agreed to hold Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea as soon as possible.