The Philippines remains an ally of China in Southeast Asia but the two nations must strengthen and not destroy each other, President Duterte declared Thursday amid the territorial conflict in the South China Sea. The President raised the West Philippine Sea dispute, particularly the situation in Pag-asa Island, during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and both leaders agreed to address the issue through bilateral negotiations. The meeting of the two leaders at the Great Hall of the People was held on the eve of the opening of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Kabiling, G. D. (2019, April 27). PH, China agree to resolve territorial disputes through bilateral negotiations. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 4.