China and Philippines Collaborate to Ease South China Sea Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the Philippines to work together in defusing tensions in the South China Sea. The request comes amidst rising tensions between the two countries over the location of a grounded warship that serves as a military outpost in the disputed region. China has expressed its willingness to resolve differences through bilateral dialogue, urging the Philippines to abide by past agreements. The Philippines won an international arbitration award in 2016 against China's claim over the South China Sea, but China does not recognize the ruling and has built militarized islands in the region.