Direct Talks Between Manila, Beijing Resume; S. China Sea On Agenda

The Chinese and Philippine governments have re-established direct communications for the first time in six years, reports Xinhua, China's state news agency.

Ties were reopened in October during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Beijing.

Direct talks are focused on security and trade issues, Philippine Acting Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo told a forum in Manila on Tuesday.

The parties are now discussing the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism...