22 May 2017

News Story: China reaffirms mutual trust, cooperation in SCS

By Janvic Mateo 

MANILA, Philippines - China has reaffirmed its commitment to continue pursuing dialogue with the Philippines to develop and maintain mutual trust and cooperation in resolving their dispute over the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.

While Beijing has yet to address the claims of President Duterte that Chinese President Xi Jinping had threatened war if the Philippines pushes through with its claims in the West Philippine Sea, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Friday said they expect the two countries to continue having friendly dialogues on maritime issues.

“We hope and believe that the two sides will have friendly, candid and in-depth communication and dialogues on maritime issues, pool together consensus, promote mutual trust, properly deal with disputes, move forward maritime practical cooperation, create conditions for the settlement of the relevant dispute and cultivate a favorable atmosphere for the sustained sound and steady development of bilateral ties and smooth progress of all-around cooperation,” she said.

Read the full story at PhilStar