BEIJING – President Duterte yesterday urged other heads of state, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to collectively promote the sustainable and peaceful use of oceans and seas in accordance with international law. Without mentioning the disputed West Philippine Sea, Duterte stressed the importance of the effort to protect the world’s oceans and seas. “As an archipelagic state, the Philippines seeks to improve our collective capacity to manage and protect marine resources,” he said. Duterte told the participating heads of state that the Philippines and the rest of Asia are on the path of economic resurgence. “Our ultimate goal is to provide a comfortable and secure life to all law-abiding citizens in a country that is stable, peaceful and resilient,” he said.

Source: Philippine Star April 27, 2019 15:38 UTC