China welcomes President Duterte’s backpedalling on his plan to visit the disputed Spratlys on Independence Day and plant a Philippine flag on an islet occupied by Filipinos. “We are glad that the Philippines choose to work with China to properly manage differences and advance cooperation, so as to deliver more benefit to our two peoples. A good relationship between China and the Philippines is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a press briefing in Beijing, in reaction to Duterte’s change of mind. Reacting to Duterte’s declaration, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement urging the Philippines to “continue to properly manage maritime disputes with China.”

Mateo, J., & Lee-Brago, P. (2017, April 16). China welcomes Rody's decision to drop visit to Spratlys. Philippine Star, p. 12.