China is upbeat that the new Philippines government will opt for dialogue to settle the South China Sea dispute after incoming Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay said that bilateral talks between the Manila and Beijing will help resolve the impasse.

Yasay added that there is no other way to solve the matter but through bilateral talks.

Like Us on Facebook

In response to this, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying welcomed Yasay's remarks. She pointed out that in the past, leaders of China and Philippines have agreed that the South China Sea disputes should be resolved peacefully via negotiations.

"We hope the Philippine's new government can honor their commitments and return to dialogue with China to properly handle the disputes so as to contribute to the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," Hua said.

Incoming Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said in a recent statement that he wants to promote friendly relations with China. He also said that he is open to direct talks regarding the South China Sea dispute. Duterte further praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing him as a great leader.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted during his recent visit to Canada that the "door of dialogue" between China and the Philippines is always open. "If the Philippines sincerely wants to come back to the track of dialogue and negotiations, we welcome that," he added.

Bilateral talks between China and the Philippines came to a standstill during the reign of outgoing Philippine President Beningo Aquino III.

TagsSouth China Sea Dispute, Philippines, china, Philippines incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, Chinese President Xi jinping, bilateral talks, outgoing Philippine president Benigno Aquino III, Philippines incoming foreign minister Perfecto Yasay