(Eagle News)– Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua on Tuesday (September 27) said China is willing to discuss the fishing rights of Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal as proposed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We would like to discuss this issue with the Philippines and that we can look at the possibilities on how we could handle it properly,” Zhao told reporters at China’s national day reception.
/ AFP PHOTO / PCOO / HO
President Duterte has said that he wants China to comply with the Hague ruling issued by the international tribunal, and will maintain peaceful approach regarding the issue.
“Yes, you can say it. But the President has already made it clear that if he goes to China he said…we’re going to focus on issues that unite us instead of issues that will divide us,” Zhao answered regarding Duterte’s wish to allow Filipinos to fish in Panatag Shoal.
The Hague ruling favored the Philippines on the case it filed against China and nixed the latter’s historical claims on West Philippine Sea.
China has refuted the ruling.
However, the tribunal also ruled that no country can claim sovereign rights over the shoal since it was a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen.
President Duterte eyes bilateral talks with China and even invited the country along with Russia to have partnerships both in investments and defense.
“Ever since President Duterte took office, China and Philippines have been engaging in friendly interactions, which have yielded a series of positive results,” Zhao noted.