MANILA, May 31 (Xinhua) -- China and the Philippines have agreed to properly manage the maritime disputes through dialogue and negotiation, a statement from a Chinese diplomatic delegation said on Thursday.

Yi Xianliang, Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led a Chinese diplomatic delegation to pay a visit to the Philippines from May 30 to 31, said the statement.

During the visit, Yi met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Foreign Undersecretary Enrique Manalo.

The two sides discussed the current situation of the South China Sea and exchanged views on maritime issues of mutual concern.

Both sides agreed that Beijing and Manila should follow the spirit of consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and properly manage maritime disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

Both sides also agreed to protect peace and stability of the South China Sea, and keep pushing forward pragmatic maritime cooperation in various fields, so as to create a good atmosphere for the healthy and stable development of bilateral relationship.