Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 25) — The Philippines is China’s ally in Southeast Asia.
That’s what President Rodrigo Duterte told Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China, according to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
“The Chief Executive culminated the talk with the Chinese President articulating his position that the Philippines remains China’s ally in Southeast Asia. The former emphasised that both countries are allies, and allies strengthen—and do not destroy – each other,” Panelo said.
The spokesperson confirmed that Duterte and Xi talked about the West Philippine Sea during their bilateral meeting.
During the meeting, Xi reiterated the importance of mutual trust between the Philippines and China.
“President Xi cited the Memorandum of Understanding on Oil and Gas as an example where both the Philippines and China suspended their differences for a joint exploration that would mutually benefit both countries and their peoples,” Panelo said.
In July 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China’s sweeping claims to the South China Sea and largely ruled in favor of the Philippines. It affirmed Manila’s sovereign rights in some of the areas being claimed by China which fall within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
China continues to reject the arbitral ruling based on a historical sweeping claim to almost the entire South China Sea.
