Maritime issues between China and the Philippines play an important part in relations between the countries, senior officials from the countries said on Friday, as both sides pledged to work together to resolve differences in their first in-person meeting since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tensions between the neighbours have recently flared up over what Manila described as "aggressive activities" by China in the South China Sea.

Beijing, which claims large parts of the South China Sea, has also been concerned over an increasing US military presence in the Southeast Asian country.

Maritime differences with Beijing were a "serious concern", but could be resolved through the "exhaustion of all diplomatic means", Philippine foreign ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro said after the talks in Manila.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said maritime issue were not "the entirety of its relations" with the Philippines.

The two countries needed to stay committed to deepen cooperation and trust, Sun said. (Reuters)