China wanted the Philippines to agree to a formal declaration that Beijing was “allowing” Filipino fishermen to return to Scarborough Shoal, but Manila did not agree because the proposal would go against the ruling of an international tribunal that the common fishing ground did not belong to anyone. That, according to Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque, was the reason China and the Philippines did not sign a written agreement on the return of Filipino fishermen to Scarborough Shoal during President Duterte’s state visit to China last week. Roque was part of Mr. Duterte's massive entourage composed mainly of businessmen.

Yap, D. (2016, October 27). Philippines rejects China language in Scarborough proposal. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.