BEIJING – It will take more time to resolve the South China Sea conflict after China still refused to recognize the ruling of the United Nations-backed arbitral court nullifying its sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Sta. Romana made the candid statement after the territorial dispute was raised during the meeting between President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping last Thursday.
“The President raised this and the Chinese maintained their position so there are differences,” he said in an interview with reporters at a business forum in Beijing when asked about the arbitral ruling.
“It is a card for us in terms of it clarifies our maritime entitlements. Unfortunately the Chinese are not willing to recognize this so it is a challenge, it will take more time,” he added.
Sta. Romana, however, remained optimistic that tension would ease in the disputed region after two leaders agreed to continue bilateral negotiations to settle the territorial conflict.
He noted that the President raised the country’s concerns, including the situation in Pag-asa Island and access to fishing in the territory, during the meeting with Xi.
In turn, China is supposedly prepared to address the Philippine concerns. (Genalyn Kabiling)
