MANILA – The Palace remains hopeful that China will soon recognize Philippines’ arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it is possible China could change its stand in rejecting the arbitral ruling.
“Nothing is impossible between friends. We can always hope for the best,” said Panelo, adding that both President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping are committed to continue their peaceful and friendly dialogues in resolving the dispute.
“Sinabi na nga ng dalawang bansa hindi ‘yun ang sum total ng relasyon natin. Mas marami tayong mapapakinabangan sa ibang aspeto ng buhay. Pero mag-uusap pa rin tayo diyan sa area na ‘yan,” he added.
During their bilateral meeting on Thursday in Beijing, Xi reiterated China’s stand on Duterte, rejecting the The Hague-based arbitral ruling.
“Let the negotiation proceed and let’s see how it develops and evolves into peaceful resolution. What is important is we are not stopping from discussing it and trying to resolve the same,” Panelo said.
Meanwhile, senators Panfilo Lacson and Joel Villanueva said they were not surprised on China’s “stubborn” stand against the ruling that favored the Philippines.
“We cannot expect that China would give up their position with just one official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte no matter what goodwill still exists between the two leaders,” Lacson said. “We should be surprised if the opposite happened.”
Villanueva said the government should continue to push and stand by The Hague decision and should continue to work towards enforcing this ruling alongside other Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
“I am glad that the President mentioned the ruling in their bilateral meeting. Instead of appearing soft on this issue, this is definitely the right time that the Philippine government should insist and enforce the decision,” said Villanueva./PN
