China has welcomed a statement by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte who said on Saturday he would “set aside” the South China Sea arbitration.

His predecessor took its maritime dispute with China to international arbitration in a move backed by the US. But President Duterte says he will not impose anything on China.

China's Foreign Ministry responded to the statement on Monday. 

"President Duterte's policy on the South China Sea arbitration issue accords with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, and reflects deepening mutual trust and friendship. China wishes to work with the Philippines to continue to improve political trust and appropriately deal with the South China Sea issue," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying.