‘We do not want war’: Philippines’ Duterte refuses to end South China Sea patrols, despite Beijing’s call for them to stop
- The Philippine president said his country was indebted to China, but Manila’s claims to the disputed waterway ‘cannot be bargainable’
- His remarks came after the country’s defence department said ‘China has no business telling the Philippines what we can and cannot do with our own waters’
“I’ll tell China, we do not want trouble, we do not want war. But if you tell us to leave – no,” Duterte said. “There are things which are not really subject to a compromise, such as us pulling back. It’s difficult. I hope they understand, but I have the interest of my country also to protect.”
‘It will be bloody’: Duterte may send naval ships over South China Sea disputes
Duterte’s remarks came after the country’s defence department said “China has no business telling the Philippines what we can and cannot do with our own waters”.
The Philippine coastguard is conducting drills near Thitu Island and Scarborough Shoal, as well as the Batanes islands in the north and the southern and eastern parts of the country.
Scarborough – one of the region’s richest fishing grounds – has long been a flashpoint between Manila and Beijing.
In response to the exercises, China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that the Philippines should “stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes”.
In recent weeks, Manila has boosted “sovereignty patrols” involving the navy, coastguard and fisheries in the Spratly Islands – an archipelago contested by several countries.
EU hits out at Beijing’s actions in South China Sea
Once-frosty ties between Manila and Beijing have warmed under Duterte, who set aside the ruling in exchange for promises of trade and investment – which critics say have not materialised.
Around 3.5 million doses of CoronaVac have been sent to the Southeast Asian country so far, including one million donated doses.