PH, China agree not to discuss South China Sea dispute during Apec

Pag-asa Island, part of the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

The Philippine government and China have agreed not to discuss the territorial dispute over the South China Sea during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Summit next week.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the Philippines will not raise the issue during the summit, citing the country’s pending case before the United Nation’s International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos).

“We agreed that it is not the proper venue to discuss that,” Jose said.

China has earlier said that Apec leaders should not discuss the rising tensions in the South China Sea.

READ: Apec no place to discuss South China Sea—Beijing

Despite the rising tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping will be accorded with the “warmth and hospitality” of the Filipinos during the Apec summit.

“We are committed to be a good host to a guest,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Jose assured that Xi’s visit to the Philippines would be “comfortable, safe and productive.”

On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang confirmed Xi’s attendance to the Apec summit on November 18 to 19 in Manila.

READ: China leader coming to PH | Chinese president to attend Apec summit in Manila

“At the invitation of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of the Republic of the Philippines, President Xi Jinping will attend the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Manila, the Philippines from November 17 to 19,” Lu said in a statement posted on the the official website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Starting next week, numerous heads of states are expected to arrive in Manila for the Apec economic leaders’ summit.