Duterte: South China Sea rift won't affect friendly ties between Philippines and Beijing

his satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows Chinese vessels anchored the Whitsun Reef located in the disputed South China Sea. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The United States said Tuesday it’s backing the Philippines in a new standoff with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea, where Manila has asked a Chinese fishing flotilla to leave a reef. China ignored the call, insisting it owns the offshore territory. - AP

MANILA, April 6 (dpa): Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday his country's dispute with Beijing over activity in the South China Sea will not affect "bilateral friendly relations."

"We will continue to resolve the issues on [the Whitsun Reef] through diplomatic channels and through peaceful means," Duterte said in a statement.