Duterte wants friendly ties with China, okays direct talks.
Upcoming president Rodrigo Duterte said that he wanted friendly ties with China and he was open to direct talks over territorial dispute.
According to a report published by Inquirer.net, the presumptive president-elect said that China’s ambassador to Manila is one of three foreign deputies that he is planning to meet on Monday, May 16, 2016.
“Well, ties have never been cold. But I would rather be friendly with everybody,” the soon-to-be proclaimed 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines said when asked about ties with other countries particularly China.
Dispute on territorial relations between Philippines and China highlighted in the administration of President Noynoy Aquino regarding conflicting claims of portions of South China Sea which is said to be one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world.
Inquirer noted in its report that Duterte planned to “continue raising the issue in multilateral environments.”
“If the ship of negotiation is in still waters and there’s no wind to push the sail, I might just decide to talk bilaterally with China,” the incumbent Davao City mayor said.
On June 30, 2016, Duterte will assume the presidency.
Meanwhile, United States, one of the biggest allied country of the Philippines said that they will support the platforms of the upcoming president and will strengthen bilateral ties.
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Photo Credit: Inquirer
