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Tribunal ruling to be basis for talks with China: Duterte

MANILA — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday assured United States Secretary of State John Kerry that the international tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s vast claims in the South China Sea will serve as the “foundation” for Manila’s future talks with Beijing on territorial disputes.

At the Malacanang Palace yesterday, US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed regional issues with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. They also talked about motorcycles and hunting. Photo: AP

At the Malacanang Palace yesterday, US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed regional issues with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. They also talked about motorcycles and hunting. Photo: AP

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MANILA — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday assured United States Secretary of State John Kerry that the international tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s vast claims in the South China Sea will serve as the “foundation” for Manila’s future talks with Beijing on territorial disputes.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the disputes in the South China Sea were among the issues discussed during a lunch meeting between Mr Duterte and Mr Kerry at the Malacanang Palace in Manila.

“There were no agreements regarding that (maritime dispute) except that the President did mention that whatever talks we will engage in, we’ll begin with the ruling. That will be the foundation,” said Mr Abella.

China has rejected the July 12 ruling by the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Kerry met Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay and said later that while the US takes no position on the sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, “we do take a strong position on protecting the rights, the freedoms and the lawful uses of air and sea space as defined by international law”.

He said Washington hopes to see the disputes resolved peacefully through diplomacy, without coercion or the threat of force, and praised the “responsible and measured” response of the Philippines after its historic win.

He added the US wants to strengthen its close ties with the Philippines — an American treaty ally — under the new Duterte administration.

“I speak for President Obama and the entire administration in saying that we look forward to working with President Duterte and with all of our friends in the Philippines for the benefit of both of our countries,” he said.

Mr Abella said Mr Kerry’s meeting with Mr Duterte was “interesting” as they shared some light moments. “First, it was a courtesy call, it was ... very interesting ... because they share common interests. They talked about motorcycles and hunting and Mr Kerry talked about how he had a motorcycle and he had a funny incident.”

Mr Duterte also explained his war on crime and drugs to Mr Kerry, who pledged US$32 million (S$43.4 million) in US assistance for “training and services” for law enforcement.

Mr Duterte has launched a bloody war on crime, urging law enforcers, communist rebels and even the public to kill criminals. Since he took office on June 30, the police have reported more than 200 deaths while media tallies have put the toll at more than 300, including suspected extrajudicial killings.

The meeting also tackled climate change days after Mr Duterte said the Philippines was reviewing its “crazy” commitment to severely cut greenhouse-gas emissions under the Paris climate deal. “Mr Kerry was helpful in defining certain issues about the Paris pact and the President also responded appropriately when he said the Philippines will work just as long as everything is fair,” said Mr Abella.

On defence cooperation, Mr Kerry said the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that allows US troops increased access to local bases will help the two countries coordinate efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Moving forward, the EDCA agreement will also expand opportunities for our militaries to train together and that will help modernise the armed forces of the Philippines to help them ... increase their effectiveness in responding to 21st-century threats,” said Mr Kerry. AGENCIES

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