Philippines rejects bilateral talks with China

The Philippines’ foreign secretary has refused China’s offer to hold talks that would not encompass an international tribunal decision.The arbitration tribunal in The Hague last Tuesday dismissed Beijing’s claims over almost all of the South China Sea. China rejected the decision. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay commented during an interview with a local TV broadcaster on Tuesday. He said he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of last weekend’s Asia-Europe Meeting in Ulan Bator, Mongolia.Yasay said Wang proposed bilateral negotiations “outside of” and “in disregard of” the ruling.Yasay said he responded by stressing the offer was inconsistent with the Philippines’ national interest.He also urged China to comply with the tribunal decision. Source and image: NHK Share this:TweetEmail