Chinese President Xi Jinping promised President Duterte that Beijing will not build structures on a rocky outcrop in the South China Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay said yesterday. Yasay said the Chinese leader made the pledge during his bilateral meeting with Duterte in Beijing in October. However, experts believe it is unlikely that a Code of Conduct (COC) can be reached between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and dialogue partner China that will ease territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Yap, T. (2017, February 24). China promised not to build in disputed shoal - Yasay. Manila Bulletin, p. 5.