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Duterte expects ‘plenty of happiness’ from China state visit

Pia Ranada

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Duterte expects ‘plenty of happiness’ from China state visit
But the Philippine leader repeats his intention to make a 'soft landing' when it comes to discussing the two countries' row over the South China Sea

BEIJING, China – President Rodrigo Duterte appeared optimistic at the start of his state visit to China on Tuesday, October 18.

Upon arriving at his hotel in Beijing, Duterte told reporters he was expecting “plenty of happiness for my country” from the 4-day visit, according to a Reuters report.

Asked if he would raise the West Philippine Sea dispute with Chinese leaders, Duterte said, “That is not the topic on the agenda.”

He repeated his intention to tread lightly when dealing with the controversial issue.

“It might crop up but it’s going to be a soft landing for everybody. No impositions, no nothing,” he said.

Chinese officials are not keen to discuss the historic ruling by an international tribunal that nullified their country’s expansive claim on the South China Sea.

They have loudly rejected the ruling and declared they would not enter into bilateral talks that use the ruling as premise.

But Duterte has made friendly advances to China in the hopes of securing bilateral meetings with the country’s officials. He has said he is open to joint exploration for oil in the West Philippine Sea and stopped joint military exercises with the United States because they displease China.

In the weeks before his visit, he has thanked China for its support in his campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte has said strengthened trade between the two countries and increased investments from China in the Philippines are some of the goals of his visit. – Rappler.com 

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.