China’s ‘impossible’ demands reason why PHL refuses bilateral talks – DFA
By CEDRIC CASTILLO, GMA News June 11, 2015 9:20pm
Tags: Department of Foreign Affairs
Amid reports that China has suggested anew a bilateral form of negotiation to settle territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday dismissed the possibility of one-on-one talks.
Speaking to reporters, DFA spokesperson Charles Jose said the Philippine government has “exhausted all reasonable effort” to resolve the issue through bilateral consultations as China demands. Talks failed, he said, because of the conditions set by China.
“Sinubukan na natin. And then may impossible pre-condition nga ang China sa bilateral talks na gusto nila. We should recognize ‘yung indisputable sovereignty nila. I think that is an impossible pre-condition that we cannot accept,” said Jose.