This was discussed when former president of the Philippines Fidel Ramos visited Hong Kong earlier and held talks with Chinese officials. For Beijing, his visit was seen as coup of sorts and a turning point over its South China Sea troubles since the tribunals ruling seriously dented its claims. Besides the Philippines, Chinas claims over the South China Sea were contested by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. An official with the Philippine delegation said Duterte had cancelled most of his events except for a dinner with Filipino expats. In his interviews with the Chinese official media ahead of his visit, Duterte has reiterated his opposition to foreign interference in the South China Sea, warning that such unwelcome overtures would pose a great threat to regional stability.

Source: India Today October 19, 2016 13:52 UTC