Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) speaks during an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Manila, the Philippines, Oct. 13, 2016. Duterte has said that his country expects to boost traditional friendship with China and further bilateral trade and economic cooperation. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
6. CHINA, THE PHILIPPINES BACK TO NEGOTIATIONS ON SOUTH CHINA SEA
On July 12, an ad hoc tribunal handling the South China Sea arbitration unilaterally initiated by the former Philippine government issued its final award, in an attempt to damage China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China Sea.
For its part, the Chinese government has repeatedly and solemnly stated that the behavior of the Philippine side has violated international law, and the tribunal has no jurisdiction over the case. The award is null and void and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it. Many countries, international and regional organizations have expressed their understanding of and support for China's stand on the South China Sea issue.
In October, the new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited China, with the two sides agreeing to focus on cooperation and shelve differences, and jointly bring the South China Sea issue back to the right track of seeking a solution through bilateral negotiations by parties directly involved.
Through the joint efforts of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the Philippines, the South China Sea situation has been easing off and is developing in a positive direction.
