BREAKING NEWS

Duterte says China misunderstood Philippine minister's S China Sea remarks

By REUTERS

FEBRUARY 24, 2017 10:48

MANILA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he was not sure why China's commerce minister had canceled a trip to his country, and that Beijing misunderstood his foreign minister's comments about its militarization in the South China Sea.

In a speech in which he expressed his intention to have solid ties with China, Duterte said there was no need to press it to abide by an international arbitration ruling last year.

Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, as chair of a meeting of Southeast Asian leaders, said on Tuesday said the region had "grave concerns" about Chinese weapons installations on manmade islands in the South China Sea.

"I would like to assure China, and this is what I had committed to do when I was there, that we will talk as friends," he said, referring to a trip he made to China last year.

He also said his country, despite its longstanding alliance with the United States, was "not duty-bound to follow" its foreign policy.

Philippines Marcos says threat of assassination 'troubling'

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 07:15 AM

Russia says it downs seven Ukrainian missiles over Kursk region

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 06:16 AM

Uruguay's center-left secures presidential victory with 49%

By REUTERS

11/25/2024 05:31 AM

Australia PM plays down privacy fears of social media ban for children

By REUTERS