MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday underscored the significance of keeping up harmony and steadiness in the contested South China Sea during the civility call of Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe to the CEO.
"We should consistently be guided by our duties in worldwide law. Any questions must be settled calmly in full accord with the UNCLOS and all applicable worldwide instruments," Duterte stated, as cited in a Palace proclamation.
The President additionally noticed the significance of finishing up a "successful and considerable" Code of Conduct over the contested waters, saying it will be an "enduring heritage" of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China.
Wei, as far as concerns him, expressed gratitude toward the President and "passed on the significance with which President Xi Jinping and China accord relations with President Duterte and the Philippines."
The Chinese protection serve likewise communicated availability to work with the Philippines on "oceanic participation, advance arrangements on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and oversee contrasts so as to make sure about harmony and solidness in the South China Sea."
Wei's visit came as the nation contradicted China's proceeding with animosity in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
His visit to Manila is important for his visit in ASEAN nations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.