AFP: Philippines offers China talks on maritime disputes
MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (Jul 5) offered China conciliatory talks on a long-awaited international tribunal ruling over Beijing's maritime claims, a week before the verdict.
Duterte, who was sworn into office last week, said he was optimistic that the UN-backed tribunal in The Hague would rule in favour of the Philippines.
"If it's favourable to us, let's talk," Duterte said in a speech before the Philippine Air Force at the former US military base of Clark, about an hour's drive from the capital Manila.
An international tribunal will rule on Jul 12 in a case the Philippines brought challenging China's claims to most of the strategically vital South China Sea
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Update: Philippines ready to talk to China after ruling on sea claim (AP)
WNU Editor: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is hoping that a positive ruling on a long-awaited international tribunal ruling over Beijing's maritime claims will make it easier for the Philippines to enter into talks with China. I say the opposite is going to happen .... China will not position itself to enter talks from a position and/or perception of "weakness" .... if anything .... they will probably harden their positions.
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