The Philippines says it has agreed with China to set up communication channels on three levels to deal with maritime issues.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on Wednesday amid rising tensions in the South China Sea between the two countries.

Department officials say communications will be conducted between representatives designated by the countries' leaders, on the level of foreign ministers and vice foreign ministers, and between their respective coast guards.

They add that the coast guards will work out a memorandum of understanding on how they will communicate.

Earlier this month, senior diplomats from the countries said they agreed to improve a bilateral maritime communication mechanism at a regular meeting over the South China Sea in Manila.

The Philippine officials say they will continue talks with China on the guidelines governing the implementation of the agreement.