Duterte says China misunderstood Philippine minister's South China Sea remarks

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announces the disbandment of police operations against illegal drugs at the Malacanang palace in Manila, Philippines early January 30, 2017. Picture taken January 30, 2017. REUTERS/Ezra Acayan

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he was not sure why China's commerce minister had cancelled a trip to his country, and that Beijing misunderstood his foreign minister's comments about its militarisation in the South China Sea.

In a speech in which he expressed his intention to have solid ties with China, Duterte said there was no need to press it to abide by an international arbitration ruling last year.