Duterte on Territorial Dispute w/ China: “I never promised anything”

Pres. Duterte Speaks on the Territorial Dispute Against China

DUTERTE – With regards to the territorial dispute against China, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recently stressed he did not promise anything.

Amid the visibly close ties between the Philippines and China, there is an ongoing territorial dispute. Both countries are claiming ownership over the West Philippine Sea. It is an issue between the two (2) countries for several years already.

Before the term of Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the issue has already reached the arbitral tribunal. The international body tackled the issue and released its decision in 2016. The verdict sided with the Philippines and junked the claim of Beijing that they own 90% of the South China Sea.

However, China did not recognize the decision of the arbitral tribunal. It continued to make its presence in the disputed islands.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
Photo: CNBC

A lot of people are undeniably expecting the Philippine government to pushed for its rights over the disputed island. Many are calling to Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte over the disputed islands.

Recently, the President spoke about the territorial dispute. After previously citing the gratitude of the Philippines to China over its help including the donated COVID-19 vaccines but saying the territorial dispute is non-negotiable, the Chief Executive stressed he did not promise anything.

visit: Duterte Breaks Silence on Gratitude to China, West Philippine Sea Issue

Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Pres. Duterte stressed that he never promised during his campaign as president that he would re-take the West Philippine Sea. He also added that he did not promise he would pressure China.

“I never promised anything. Just because I’m President, gusto n’yong makipag-away ako,” the Chief Executive said.

According to the President, the officials of the previous administration allegedly only pretended to work on the territorial dispute against China. Currently, the statement of the Chief Executive is making rounds on social media as some netizens stressed his previous statement that he will ride a jetski and bring the Philippine flag if China won’t honor the ruling.

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READ ALSO: US On China’s Control Over West Philippine Sea: ‘Cease bullying behavior’

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