Beijing and Manila promise further South China Sea talks despite row over ‘monster ship’

Beijing and Manila have agreed to continue talks on settling their territorial differences despite Philippine protests about the presence of a Chinese “monster ship” near the contested Scarborough Shoal.

China said both sides had “agreed to strengthen dialogue and contact on maritime issues and properly handle maritime disputes”, following a meeting between Chen Xiaodong, the vice-minister for foreign affairs, and his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro in the Chinese city of Xiamen on Thursday.

The two sides pledged to boost cooperation in areas such as maritime security and science and technology, but China also criticised Manila’s “provocative activities” and attempts to “hype up disputes” in the South China Sea.