The Philippine navy said on Friday its ships were holding drills near a contested shoal in the South China Sea, a day after Manila and Beijing agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite ongoing disputes.

The Philippines and China are pursuing cooperation amidst enduring disagreements in the South China Sea. They agreed to deepen dialogue and enhance cooperation between coast guards and marine scientists.

The Philippine Navy said its warships held exercises Friday in the South China Sea as part of its efforts to assert its sovereign rights over waters also claimed by Beijing.

Philippine navy ships were holding drills near a contested shoal in the South China Sea on Friday, a day after Manila and Beijing agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite ongoing maritime disputes.