China expressed its appreciation to assurances made recently by President Duterte that he would set aside the South China Sea arbitration ruling and not impose anything on the Chinese. He likewise said the Philippines does not intend to fight China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson HuaChunying said President Duterte’s policy on the South China Sea arbitration “meets the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples and exemplifies the increasingly deepened mutual trust and amicable relations between the two.”

“Eversince President Duterte’s successful visit to China last October, China-Philippines relations have improved across the board and moved forward,” said Hua in a press briefing in Beijing, a transcript of which was posted in the official website of the Chinese embassy in Manila. “Bilateral mutual trust keeps building up and pragmatic cooperation in various fields runs in full fledge with fruitful results.”

“China is willing to work with the Philippines to enhance political mutual trust, properly handle the South China Sea issue and realize common development,” she added.

Earlier, Malacañang clarified that this statement from the President does not mean that the Philippines is renouncing its claims to the West Philippine Sea.

“The President has said on numerous occasions that he will not deviate from the four corners of the ruling,” said Communications Secretary Martin Andanar Monday. “We have to bear in mind that since President Duterte assumed office, he has been revitalizing bilateral ties with China.”

According to Andanar, the Duterte administration has been building confidence and trust with Chinese leaders and expects this to continue, until such time that it has achieved a trust level that will allow the Philippine government to discuss the more sensitive issues in its bilateral relations with China.

“Having said this, the Philippine government reaffirms its respect for and strict adherence to this milestone ruling and will be guided by its parameters when tackling the issue of maritime claims in the South China,” he said.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Roy C. Mabasa

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