Kerry, Duterte agree to stand by Hague ruling

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and US Secretary of State John Kerry have agreed that the Hague arbitration tribunal ruling must be the basis for bilateral talks between the Philippines and China on the South China Sea issue.Duterte and Kerry met on Wednesday in Manila. The Philippine presidential office said Duterte made the suggestion, and that Kerry agreed. The ruling rejected Beijing’s claims over almost all of the South China Sea.Duterte wants to send an envoy to China to start bilateral negotiations on the issue. China also wants to have bilateral discussions with the Philippines, but firmly rejects any talks based on the tribunal’s ruling.Observers say Duterte’s decision could be met with a backlash from China. Source and image: NHK Share this:TweetEmail

July 28, 2016

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and US Secretary of State John Kerry have agreed that the Hague arbitration tribunal ruling must be the basis for bilateral talks between the Philippines and China on the South China Sea issue.

Duterte and Kerry met on Wednesday in Manila.

The Philippine presidential office said Duterte made the suggestion, and that Kerry agreed. The ruling rejected Beijing’s claims over almost all of the South China Sea.

Duterte wants to send an envoy to China to start bilateral negotiations on the issue. China also wants to have bilateral discussions with the Philippines, but firmly rejects any talks based on the tribunal’s ruling.

Observers say Duterte’s decision could be met with a backlash from China.