The Chinese government lauded President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth State of the Nation Address, particularly his push for an independent foreign policy and non-confrontational stance on the South China Sea dispute.

In his regular press conference on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Duterte’s policy pronouncements “are in keeping with the fundamental interests of the Philippines, the shared aspiration of regional countries, and the trend of the times for peace and development.”

“We appreciate President Duterte's remarks and stand ready to properly resolve maritime disputes with the Philippines through friendly consultations to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and the entire region,” Wang said.

He stressed the need to handle maritime issues “properly” to ensure regional peace and stability.