Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo stated on Saturday that his country's disputes with China in the South China Sea "do not represent the overall relations between the two countries."
During the opening of bilateral talks in Manila with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, the minister added, "These disputes should not prevent us from seeking ways to manage them effectively, especially regarding the rights of Filipinos, particularly fishermen."
For his part, Qin noted that China is prepared to work with the Philippines to reach an understanding between the two countries and to resolve disputes appropriately.
Previously, the Philippines raised diplomatic protests against the presence of Chinese fishing vessels and what it terms "aggressive actions" by China in the strategic waterway.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, through which trade valued at three trillion dollars passes and which is believed to be rich in minerals and deposits of oil and gas.
A historic ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 nullified China's claims. Both Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines also have claims in the waterway.
