Malacañang yesterday rejected China’s proposed resumption of bilateral talks on the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea with the next administration.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua had said they will continue to monitor the developments on Philippine elections, adding that they are hoping for bilateral talks with the next administration concerning the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, also known as the South China Sea.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III said that China wants to reverse Philippine policy.
The Aquino administration had turned down China’s calls for bilateral talks, saying that the Philippines is for a multi-lateral approach because there are other claimants to the disputed areas other than China and the Philippines.
“I believe it’s an expression of China’s concern and China’s preference for a reversal of Philippine policy,” Quezon said.
He said he hopes that the voters will vote for the one who will have the best position on the territorial dispute.