China said the ruling of the arbitration court would not change Beijing’s position in the South China Sea issue, said Xu, stressing “should any force intends to take this so-called arbitral award as an excuse to do harm to China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, China will only take a strong position in response.” “We hope that the Philippines could realize its errors and return to the right track of resolving disputes through negotiations and consultations,” said Xu. Presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte earlier met with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua in Davao City on possible bilateral talks to settle the maritime dispute.

Estrella, T. (2016, May 18). China: UN case just a 'show'. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2.