The Philippines has reached “the best of friendship” with China but would still not surrender its territorial claim in the disputed South China Sea, President Duterte declared the other day. The President has pledged to raise the arbitral judgment on the South China Sea issue with China when it starts to “excavate” mineral resources in the contested territory. Duterter, however, told China that “we have not abandoned our claim,” referring to the country’s maritime entitlements in the South China Sea despite the improving friendship with China.

Kabiling, G., Mabasa, R., & Beleo, E. (2017, March 31). PH, China in best level of friendship. Manila Bulletin. pp. 1, 10.