PHILIPPINES TO EXPLORE SOUTH CHINA SEA RESOURCES WITH CHINA

BACK HOME AFTER ATTENDINGthe Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on May 16 he was open to exploring the South China Sea's natural resources with China and Vietnam.

Duterte said his trip to Beijing had been productive for the Philippines, and hinted that more Chinese investments had been offered, but didn't elaborate.

"If we can get something there with no hassle at all, why not," Duterte told reporters when asked about a proposal for jointly exploring the South China Sea with China and Vietnam.

Chinese missile destroyer Changchun captain Hu Jie gives a cap to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at Davao international port on May 1 in Davao, the Philippines.

All three countries have competing territorial claims in the sea. Ties were especially strained during Duterte's predecessor's administration, but the new president has worked to repair relations since taking office in June.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the "allround improvement" of relations between China and the Philippines during the forum, calling the Philippines an "important partner" in the Belt and Road infrastructure project.