MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte welcomed in Malacanang Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua on Thursday.
“The Chinese Ambassador made a courtesy call conveying President Xi Jin Ping’s congratulations (to President Duterte) on being the 16th President,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
“No further details regarding (the) courtesy call,” he added.
President Duterte earlier said he was willing to have bilateral talks with China even if the Philippines wins in the arbitration case it filed before the UN arbitral tribunal regarding the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
He said ownership by the Philippines on some islands in the West Philippine Sea involved economic issues, thus, there was no need to wage war against China.
Decision on the case is expected within this year.