Marcos to Huang Xilian: It's unfortunate we didn't make much progress in SCS

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Thursday that it was unfortunate that there has been little progress as regards the issue in the South China Sea. 

Marcos said this as he bid goodbye to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian during the farewell call at Malacañang Palace.

“We will miss you,” Marcos told the Chinese envoy. 

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t make much progress on the difficulties that we have in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea,” he added. 

''But I think, considering how difficult the situation was, that we have managed to keep things at least away from too much problem,'' Marcos said.

The Philippine leader also thanked the Chinese ambassador for his service. 

In many occasions, it can be recalled that Marcos or the Department of Foreign Affairs had summoned Huang over China’s hostile actions in the South China Sea. 

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has since ignored the arbitral ruling, which invalidated its massive claims in the South China Sea. 

In January of this year, Huang had hoped that both China and the Philippines will prioritize their "original aspirations" to work collaboratively for the well-being of their citizens. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News