Duterte extends olive branch to China anew

MANILA, Philippines - Seeking to soften the impact of a statement seen as criticism of China’s moves in the South China Sea, President Duterte on Friday gave assurance anew that he will not at this time raise alarm bells on militarization or bring up an arbitral ruling favoring Philippine claims in the disputed sea.

Duterte also appealed to Chinese officials to reconsider their decision to cancel their trip last Thursday after Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. raised concerns on China’s move to militarize man-made islands in disputed areas in the South China Sea during a recent foreign ministers’ meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Boracay.

Duterte made the appeal on Friday during the turnover of a drug rehabilitation facility sponsored by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in Samal.

“You know, time and again, when I went to China, I said we are not prepared to raise the issue of the arbitration award for the simple reason that we are yet to finalize the good relations between China and the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“We cannot talk if we are still fighting. We should become friends first so when we face each other, there is respect and dignity on both sides.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding between the foreign affairs department of the government of the Republic of the Philippines and the reception with Secretary Yasay,” the President added.

Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng and a large delegation of Chinese businessmen were due to arrive in Manila last Thursday.

Earlier this week, Yasay said the ASEAN was unsettled and had “grave concern” about China’s move to militarize man-made islands, including installation of weapons systems, in the South China Sea.

Following Yasay’s statement, China informed the Philippines on Wednesday afternoon that the trip was cancelled. – With Helen Flores, Reuters