China plays down Duterte’s take on South China Sea

China on Monday sought to playdown comments by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that he would raise the issue of a controversial arbitral ruling on the South China Sea with China’s leaders, ahead of his visit to Beijing this week.

Speaking on Sunday, Duterte had vowed not to surrender any sovereignty or deviate from the July ruling by the Hague tribunal. The ruling had dealt a blow to China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to take note of the case and has chided all countries telling it to abide by the ruling.

Asked about Duterte’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that as he was the country’s leader, Duterte would make his policy based upon the best interests of his country and people.

China’s position on the arbitration case was clear and consistent, and China advocated peaceful talks between the parties directly involved to resolve the South China Seas issue, said Hua.

“China’s door has always been open to the Philippines, and I think you’ve also noticed that President Duterte has said many times that he wants a dialogue with China and his positive desire to appropriately resolve relevant issues,” she added.

China was willing to work with all parties in the South China Sea, including the Philippines, to maintain peace and stabilityin the waters, added Hua.

Duterte goes to China on Tuesday with at least 200 members of the Philippine business elite to pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance, amid deteriorating ties withthe United States.