Philippine President Rodrigo Duttett said Thursday that the United States can not obstruct China’s island construction in the South China Sea, indicating that there is no serious concern about its militarization or reclamation work. The leaders reiterated that he wanted to avoid a confrontation with China and felt that there was no need to forcefully compel it to abide by an international tribunal ruling in July that it favored the Philippines in the South China Sea.
When asked about the TV interview, Duterte said it would be “in my time” but he was not yet ready to discuss the ruling of the PCA in The Hague, nor of China.
He said he did not intend to actively pursue the Philippine maritime claims and occupation of China, the only power to do so is the United States.
He told CNN the Philippines, referring to a ruling rejecting China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, “I can not let go of being adopted and neglected.” But are you ready to talk to me? Because if you are not, I’m not ready, “he said, referring to China.
Duterte made a stunning turn on foreign policy a few months ago when he made suggestions to long-term rivals China and started the traditional allies of the United States. He had previously defeated the arbitration case, saying in October he was “behind” in his talks in China.
He often praises China and says he wants China to play a prominent role in its economy. Duttle also expressed concern that China is militarizing the South China Sea, and its clean-up work and construction activities on the reef undisturbed performance, including a few in the exclusive economic zone of Manila (EEZ).
Asked if he was worried, he said. “No, because if it’s really a serious problem, then
United States should lead the way and stop it. “I said, right at the beginning, when the first spray of soil was tossed out to the area they (China) reclaimed, why did their (US) think-tank not think?”
Duterte said the one situation where he would take a stand against China was if it were to start exploiting natural resources within Philippine sovereign territory. He likened it to children bickering over inheritance.
The Philippines has within its EEZ deposits of oil and gas but lacks the expertise to exploit them. It has also been complicated by China laying claim to the same waters. “When the minerals are already being siphoned out,” he said when asked under what condition he would challenge China.
“(It’s a) question of money. ‘Wait a minute, I thought we’re friends’,” he said. “The wealth that comes out there, it is like inheritance when your father and mother dies, that is a mess.”
