PRESIDENT DUTERTE AND PRESIDENT XI JINPING TALKS TO RESOLVE DISPUTE OF WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

April 25, 2019, Beijing, China. - President Rodrigo R. Duterte along with the official delegation of the government of the Philippines hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues of the long-dispute West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) prior to the 2nd Belt and Road Forum. 

According to Atty. Salvador Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson,  President Duterte raised the issue of West Philippine Sea, particularly Pag-asa Island. 

He also added, "Both agree that the situation can be resolved through bilateral consultative mechanism but it should not affect the cooperation being undertaken by both the Philippines and China and they look forward to a productive on matters of mutual concerns and interests."

President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of "good neighborliness and proper handling of differences between the countries." He even cited the memorandum of understanding on oil and gas linked between the Philippines and China which "suspended their differences for a joint exploration that would mutually benefit both countries and their peoples."

For President Duterte, he assured that Manila and Beijing remain allies, Panelo said. 

Meanwhile, according to Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, Philippine Ambassador to China, "The Chinese have sought to reassure us that they have no intention to use force or to occupy Pag-asa."