China urges Philippines to solve disputes through dialogue

BEIJING -- China urges the Philippines to solve bilateral disputes through negotiation and consultation on the basis of mutual respect and trust, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

It was reported that Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said recently that time is not right for the Philippines and China to discuss territorial disputes and the Philippines would only discuss territorial disputes with China on the basis of the so-called award on the South China Sea arbitration.

A tribunal in July issued an "award" on the South China Sea arbitration, which was unilaterally initiated by the former government of the Philippines. China has reiterated that it will not accept any proposition or action based on the decision.

China's position on this so-called award is clear, spokesperson Lu Kang said, adding that China sticks by its position -- the peaceful solution of disputes through dialogue and consultation.

"The door of bilateral dialogue is always open," Lu said.

Friendly, steady and healthy bilateral ties are in accordance with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people's expectations, the spokesperson said.

Lu expressed his hope that the Philippine side will work with China, show their sincerity in dialogue, properly handle differences through negotiation and consultation based on mutual respect and trust, and push bilateral ties back on a healthy track at an early date.