ASEAN worry over militarized South China Sea discussed with Xi —Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte said early Sunday morning that his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Da Nang, Vietnam was "meaningful" and "productive," though the moment was still not right for him to press the Chinese leader on Philippine territorial claims in the South China Sea.

"I see a very bright future in our relationship. Nothing to do with military," explained Duterte during his arrival remarks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Nevertheless, the Philippine president said that because the country was presently ASEAN's chair, he had to bring up the organization's concerns over "non-militarization and self-restraint" in the South China Sea.

"I had to do it [and discuss the matter] because, the Philippines chairs the ASEAN now. I cannot escape that from my duty," said Duterte, adding, "But I explained it to him in a very nice way."

Duterte said that Xi had been surprised over last August's ASEAN joint communique on the South China Sea. He told the Chinese leader that he was not raising any sovereignty issues, but "we will talk about this somehow, during my term."

"We never surrendered anything. Just say, 'I do not want to talk about this for the moment,'" Duterte added.

He said that during the meeting, Xi vowed that China will not hinder the Philippines and other countries from their right of safe passage in the disputed seas.

"He assured us again na do not worry you have all the rights of safe passage and that it will also be applicable to all countries," Duterte said.

He said Xi also mentioned in the meeting the multi-lateral talks between China and ASEAN members on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

The ASEAN and China had approved last August the draft Code of Conduct. Talks on the sea conduct are ongoing.

Duterte firmly believed that China  was not looking at a military solution to the South China Sea disputes, as it was a scenario in which everyone would lose.

Also during their meeting, Xi had confirmed that he would fulfill everything he had promised Duterte during his state visit in China.

"And the two bridges that would span the Pasig River... would start immediately," said Duterte.

In his arrival speech, Duterte said that the most important bilateral meetings he did in Vietnam were those with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Ang pinaka meaningful na bilateral ko yung sa Russia pati yung sa China, and I assured President Xi Jinping of our friendship and that it will remain warm and robust," he said.

He said both leaders expressed support to his war on drugs and the country's c campaign against terrorism. —DVM/ALG, GMA News