MANILA, Philippines – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the need for dialogue and consultation between China and the Philippines in a meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr during the Asian-Europe Meeting.

The informal meeting happened during the summit held from July 15-16, 2016 in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia. During the summit, Yasay brought up the historic West Philippine Sea ruling despite statements from Chinese officials that it was an appropriate venue for doing so.

During the meeting, Wang explained China’s “principle position” on the dispute and gave Yasay assurances that “China stands ready to work with the Philippine side,” according to a statement from the Chinese embassy in Manila.

But Wang said China would only work with the Philippines if the Duterte administration “wishes to resume dialogue and consultation with China, manage and control relevant disputes and improve our bilateral ties,” said the statement, paraphrasing Wang’s words.

The Chinese official, according to the statement, also said Beijing pushes for a bilateral relationship with Manila and that dialogue is in the “fundamental interests of our two countries and peoples.”

The statement was released a few hours after President Rodrigo Duterte met with US officials, including US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

A US senator present at the meeting had tweeted that Duterte had given assurances he would not negotiate with China on the West Philippine Sea ruling.

The Palace later on clarified that it is still open to bilateral talks with China. – Rappler.com