Beijing, Manila to set up new channels to manage sea rows

Document lays out three communication lines to improve handling of maritime issues

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The Philippines and China have agreed to set up new lines of communication to improve their handling of maritime disputes, according to a document and a Philippine diplomatic source, as ties sour over clashes in the South China Sea.

The two countries have traded barbs repeatedly over jurisdiction in the contested South China Sea as the Philippines, emboldened by the support of the US, challenges China's permanent presence around strategic features inside Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Three communication channels would be established specifically for maritime issues, according to the source, who provided a document, which was signed during regular talks between them on July 2.

"China has always been committed to working with the Philippines to properly address maritime issues through dialogue and consultation," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a briefing when asked about the agreement.

"The two countries have agreed to further strengthen the dialogue on sea-related communication between diplomacy and the maritime police, so as to jointly safeguard the stability of the maritime situation and the overall situation of ChinaPhilippines relations," he added.