China, Philippines seek better communication, management of conflicts in South China Sea. China and the Philippines have agreed to enhance maritime communication and manage conflicts in the South China Sea through friendly talks, as stated in a joint statement by their foreign ministries. This agreement was reached at the eighth China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, co-chaired by China's Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippine Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro. The discussions emphasized that the South China Sea dispute is not central to bilateral relations and focused on maintaining peace and stability in the region.