MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte warned a trouble could be brewing should China hurt a Filipino soldier in the contested West Philippine Sea.
In a speech in Batangas City, Duterte said China should stop surrounding Pag-asa Island and instead meet with the Philippines halfway.
“Iyong Pag-asa Island, sinabi ko, huwag ninyong i-surround kasi may mga sundalo ako diyan,” the President said. “It could precipitate trouble there kapag namatayan ako ng sundalo maski isa, ah gulo na ‘yan.”
Duterte’s statement came after the Armed Forces of the Philippines bared a rise in the number of Chinese fishing vessels near Pag-asa Island since January this year.
The President, who is set to visit China later this month, said he will appeal to China to allow Filipino fishermen to fish in the disputed waters.
Duterte added waging a war against China is unwise. “But there will be a time, at sabihin ko sa China ngayon that they should also meet halfway. Kagaya ng mga mangingisda natin.”
“Pero ngayon, magsabi ka, mag-fight ako sa China, who will come? Sino? Magbigay ka ng limang magtulong sa atin,” he added. “America? Mag-suicide kaya ang America ng nuclear war para sa atin?”
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo recently said the best solution to conflict between Philippines and China is through negotiations.
“Negotiation is the best avenue by which we can solve any conflict in the South China Sea,” Panelo said. “Otherwise, we will be forced at the risk of an armed conflict, even if minimal.”/PN
