Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated on Thursday that Manila will continue to engage Beijing through bilateral dialogue, citing that it is the best way to resolve the South China Sea issue.
Asked what is the best way to deal with China, Duterte said, "The way we are doing ... talking. That's the only luxury that we have. Talking."
Duterte was speaking to the press at the Malacanang presidential palace after delivering his joint statement with visiting Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.
He said that is exactly what he would suggest to his fellow ASEAN leaders when they meet for a summit on Saturday.
Southeast Asian leaders will meet on Saturday to discuss how to strengthen ASEAN economic community, and regional and international issues that may affect stability and peace in the region.
Duterte also said that he will discuss the ongoing crafting of the framework of a code of conduct in the South China Sea.
"At least if there's a conduct and they would agree, so many things will be out," Duterte said.
