Manila: The Philippines and China have recommenced a bilateral political dialogue after experiencing a hiatus exceeding one year, according to the Chinese Embassy in Manila. The dialogue occurred ahead of important negotiations concerning a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, involving senior officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting was led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim and Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Ocean Affairs Hou Yanqi. While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not disclose specific details, it confirmed that both parties engaged in a candid discussion on various topics, including bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest. The DFA emphasized the significance of ongoing diplomatic communication and cooperation across different sectors. In a prior statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila highlighted Beijing's ongoing efforts to pro mote potential cooperation in areas such as clean energy, digital economy, waste-to-energy, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. This meeting follows a period of tense exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Filipino officials over the West Philippine Sea issue. Additionally, Malacañang communicated on Thursday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. endorses a strategy of "firm with diplomacy" to address the escalating tensions. The situation has prompted discussions in both the Senate and Congress about declaring certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata.