25.Both sides note that the situation in the South China Sea has become generally more stable as a result of joint cooperative efforts between China, the Philippines, and other ASEAN Member States. Both sides, together with ASEAN Member States, will work for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety. Both sides agree to maintain the positive momentum of the negotiations on the Single Draft Code of Conduct (COC) Negotiating Text, with a view towards the early adoption of an effective COC, based on consensus.
26.Both sides agree to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. Both sides also note the importance of confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust and confidence. In this regard, both sides affirm the importance of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea and the Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation.
The two sides agree to maximize and strengthen the on-going coast guard, defense and military dialogue and liaison mechanisms, with a view to facilitating quick responses to situations on the ground and contributing to the enhancement of mutual trust and confidence between their coast guards and defense agencies.
27.Both sides welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the two governments, and agree to discuss maritime cooperation including maritime oil and gas exploration, sustainable use of mineral, energy and other marine resources.
They also agree to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms in other maritime-related areas. Both sides agree to cooperate in the implementation of relevant international maritime instruments to ensure the safety of life at sea, marine environmental protection, and human resources development.
28.The two sides speak positively of the development of China-ASEAN relations, and congratulate the 15th Anniversary of the China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and the China-ASEAN Year of Innovation. Both sides welcome the adoption of the China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 during the 21st China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting. China supports the Philippines as the Country Coordinator of the China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations and the coordinator for cooperation between China and BIMP-EAGA. The Philippines welcomes and supports the enhancement of cooperation between China and BIMP-EAGA, which will contribute to ASEAN Community Building and China-ASEAN cooperation.
29.Both sides agree to promote international peace and security, a rules-based multilateral free trade regime, and development cooperation, as well as enhance cooperation within relevant multilateral frameworks including the United Nations (UN) system.
30.Both sides welcome the signing of various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding during the visit, as listed in the Annex.
31.The two sides agree that the milestone visit of President Xi Jinping has contributed to the advancement of friendship and cooperation between China and the Philippines. President Xi Jinping appreciated the warm and friendly hospitality accorded to him and his delegation by President Duterte and the Philippine government, and extended an invitation to President Duterte to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in Beijing, China, in April 2019. President Duterte accepted the invitation with pleasure.
Annex:List of agreements and MOUs
1.Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on Cooperation within the Framework of the Belt and Road Initiative
2.MOU on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
3.Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
4.Infrastructure Cooperation Program between the Government of the People's Republic China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
5.Program for Cooperation on Industrial Parks Development between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
6.The Exchange Letter on the Implementation of the Davao River Bridge Project between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
7.The Exchange Letter on the Implementation of the Road and Bridge Project in Marawi between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
8.Exchange of Letters on Project of Container Inspection Equipment between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
