Duterte’s remarks on South China Sea opens door to talks

BEIJING: China appreciated the remarks of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the South China Sea issue and stood ready to properly resolve maritime disputes with the Philippines through friendly consultations, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

It was reported that President Duterte said in his annual State of the Nation Address on Monday that the Philippines would continue upholding an independent foreign policy, would not pick sides between China and the United States, would not agree to allow US troops back to military bases in the country and would not confront China over the South China Sea. He also expressed hope for priority access once China successfully develops a Covid-19 vaccine.