Duterte 'willing to improve ties' with Beijing

Outsiders urged to remain neutral, objective

Philippines president-elect Rodrigo Duterte has told China's ambassador to Manila that he is willing to improve ties with Beijing, as Chinese diplomats urged nations outside the region to be hands-off and respect the efforts of the countries involved to resolve the issue.

Duterte, who will be sworn in on June 30, met on Monday in Davao City with Zhao Jianhua, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines. The meeting followed Duterte's remark on Sunday that he is willing to have bilateral talks with China over the disputes in the South China Sea.