China praises Philippines' positive attitude in South China Sea issue

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China spoke highly of the positive problem-solving attitude of the Philippines in dealing with the South China Sea issue on Thursday.

"We've noticed the positive statements from Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a regular press conference. "Through joint efforts from China and the Philippines as well as other ASEAN countries, the situation over the South China Sea region is overall stable."

"Related countries have returned to the right track of solving conflicts through dialogue, while the negotiating text of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the region is also underway."

Mentioning Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the Southeast Asian country in October, Hua said fruitful mutual understandings were reached after Wang's tour.

The Philippines is content with the ever-improving bilateral relations and the ever-strengthening bilateral cooperation with China, said Locsin in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.

He added that the country is willing to continue to properly manage differences, push forward pragmatic maritime cooperation, and actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

(With inputs from Xinhua News Agency)