FIVE days before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague hands out its decision on the disputed West Philippine Sea, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua went to Malacañang on Thursday to pay a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a text message, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Zhao met with Duterte to convey Chinese President Xi Jin Ping's congratulatory message for being elected as the country's 16th President.
Asked then if the West Philippine Sea issue was discussed, Abella said: "No further details regarding courtesy call."
Prior to this, Zhao met Duterte in Davao City on May 16, or a day after the President had expressed openness to bilateral talks with China over the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea.
Zhao as well had said that China is looking forward to working with Duterte to explore the possibility of returning to bilateral talks.
On June 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration will issue its ruling on the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China.
In his earlier speech, Duterte was optimistic of favorable decision. The President said he will respect the international court’s decision and added that he would not resort to violence as war is a “dirty word.”
Duterte also said that whichever county wins the case should not “taunt or flaunt.” (Sunnex)