BEIJING, Sept 11 (Askume) – China’s vice foreign minister and his Philippine counterpart held “frank and in-depth” discussions on maritime issues, particularly the disputed Sabina Shoal issue, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
During the meeting, China reiterated its demand for the immediate return of the Philippine vessels and vowed to “resolutely defend its sovereignty,” a foreign ministry statement said.
Both countries agreed to continue dialogue through diplomatic channels.
Jianbin Reef, also known as Sabina Shoal, is located in disputed waters in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, which China knows as the Nansha Islands.
China claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea. The two countries are feuding over claims to several atolls in the sea, through which $3 trillion worth of trade passes each year.
