Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on
Wednesday approved of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte’s intention to improve
the strained Sino-Philippine relations through possible bilateral talks over
the South China Sea row.
“We’re glad that the president-elect has already opened the
option for direct bilateral negotiation talks and we welcome that. It has
always been China ’s policy
to settle our disputes and differences through bilateral channels,” Zhao told
reporters on the sidelines of the handover ceremony of donations at the
University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon
City
”We are looking forward to work with the incoming president
and his team to explore the possibility of returning to bilateral talks over
disputes we have,” he added.
The Chinese diplomat noted that the president-elect also has
the same stance when it comes to “properly” handling the issue of South China Sea .
This involves a peaceful dialogue with no confrontation, he
noted.
Zhao expressed confidence in the upcoming administration to
alleviate tensions and improve relations between China
and the Philippines
“My impression is that the president-elect is a very strong
man, a man with principle, and the type of leadership that you would like to
work with to improve our bilateral relationship,” said the ambassador.
Manila-Beijing ties have been somewhat muddled due to maritime
disputes with a pending arbitration case the Philippines
brought to the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague , Netherlands
in 2013 against China ’s
territorial claims in the South China Sea . The
ruling is expected soon.
Duterte earlier said that he will consider holding direct
talks with China
Commenting on this two-year time frame, Zhao said that 2
years is too long and quoted Chairman Mao Zedong to “seize the moment, seize
the hour.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=888742
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