17-11-2023 (MANILA) President Marcos of the Philippines has announced that he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco.
According to Reuters, President Marcos delivered a video statement on Friday (November 17th), stating that he and Xi Jinping will discuss bilateral tensions and “avoid the escalation of the situation in the West Philippine Sea.”
The Philippines claims sovereignty over the South China Sea on its western side, referring to it as the West Philippine Sea, while China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea.
“We will chart the way forward as we continue to work for peace,” President Marcos said. He also revealed that he discussed the South China Sea issue with Vice President Harris of the United States.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
