By Christina Mendez and Edith Regalado
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.
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