Presumptive Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a press conference in Davao Province, the Philippines, May 16, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua/Stringer]
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he wants to talk with China over the South China Sea issue after the ruling from an international tribunal.
During a speech before the Philippine Air Force on Tuesday, the president said he wants friendly relations with China and reiterated that he was against any armed conflict.
Duterte had previously said he was open to talks with China, and even joint ventures to share resources in the sea.
But Tuesday's comments were the first since he became president confirming he was open to talks.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration is to announce its final decision on the case next Tuesday.
China has repeatedly said it would reject the ruling and refused to recognize the court's jurisdiction over the issue.
Beijing has insisted the issue should be resolved through direct talks with Manila.
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