Economic ties of the Philippines in China

Philippine economic ties with China continue in the belief that the conflict in the South China Sea will not be resolved lightly. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the government would put aside the territorial conflict first and instead pursue other cooperation with China, such as trade and investment. Roque confirmed Philippine relations with China after President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea conflict in favor of the Philippines in his last speech at the United Nations. Duterte allegedly said in his first speech to the UN that the arbitral award had become part of international law and promised to reject any attempt to undermine it. According to Roque, the decision is already there and it is clear what is stated in international law so for now, they will temporarily set aside the rivalry in such territory. He said nothing will change in the President's current policy especially in bilateral relations with China but China has refused to recognize the Philippines' legal victory in the South China Sea. RNT