Consultations on text of COC in South China Sea to help reduce misunderstanding: Philippine defense chief

MANILA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The decision by China and the Association of Souheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to start consultations on the text of the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea would help reduce miscalculation and misunderstanding among relevant parties, Philippine defense chief said on Friday.

"We will be going to the table and talk about things that will benefit everybody," Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters.

China and ASEAN countries have agreed to start consultations on the text of the COC in the South China Sea.

The foreign ministers of China and ASEAN in August adopted the Framework of the COC in the South China Sea or the outline that will make the basis for the negotiation of the COC.