China-Philippines relations have seen "a beautiful turn around," Liu told the press Thursday, adding that China highly appreciates the positive, friendly and constructive attitude adopted by the Duterte government.

The significance of the meeting lies in the fact the Philippines has returned to the right track of bilateral consultation and managing differences properly with China, Liu said.

It shows the Philippines' agreement on adherence to the China-championed "dual-track" approach, which calls for disputes to be resolved peacefully through negotiation between directly concerned parties, and for China and ASEAN members to work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

The two countries are telling the international community that they are capable of handling issues of common concern without a third party's interference, Wu stressed.

The success of the first BCM meeting represents an important signal that China and the Philippines are jointly moving toward an early conclusion on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, Wu said, while adding that further efforts are needed from all parties on the issue.

The two sides held discussions on issues including the promotion of next-step practical maritime cooperation and the possible establishment of technical working groups.

Liu said China hoped there would be some joint development in gas and oil before maritime disputes are ultimately solved.

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