BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday called on the Philippines to work with China to use the power of negotiation to solve disputes on the South China Sea.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to remarks made by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during the first meeting of his cabinet after his inauguration Thursday.
"God knows I don't want to declare any fighting with anyone. If we can have peace by just talking I'll be really happy," said Duterte, who had previously said that he was open to talking with China about the maritime disputes.
Philippine presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Friday that Duterte wanted a "conversation" with China on the South China Sea to work out a "win-win relationship" with the country.
Hong said the disputes are ultimately issues between China and the Philippines.
The South China Sea arbitration initiated by former President Benigno S. Aquino III is invalid and illegal, he said.
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