China extends greetings to Philippine presumptive president after claiming victory on the elections
China extends greeting to Philippine presumptive President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte through the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei for his victory in the elections.
The spokesperson said in a press briefing that, “The Chinese side has noted the successful presidential election in the Philippines. We congratulate Mr. Duterte on winning the vote”. Hong also expressed its hope that China and Philippine relation will improve in his administration since he sees the importance of bilateral relations in the Philippines.
He said that the Chinese side attaches importance to developing relations with the Philippines and they are willing to work alongside with the new Government under Duterte’s administration. He added that the government will be able to deal properly with the dispute through friendly dialogue and bring bilateral ties back to the track of sound development.
It is renowned that the Philippines earlier filed an arbitration case against China’s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations (UN). However, China insisted that they have indisputable sovereignty over the disputed waters and refused to participate in the proceedings
On Monday, a photo was released by the Office of the City Mayor of Davao City, showing presumptive president, Rodrogo Duterte receives a copy of book on Chinese President Xi Jinping from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua during a courtesy call.