Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said that talks are already under way with China on a possible joint venture to explore for resources in areas of
MANILA – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said that talks are already under way with China on a possible joint venture to explore for resources in areas of the South China Sea that are disputed between the two countries.
Duterte made the statement at a news conference Monday in Manila after his widely anticipated state-of-the-nation speech, where the country’s leader traditionally highlights the accomplishments of the year to the public.
“They (China) have no date yet. But we are into it there already. We are there already. They have a partner already, ” Duterte said when asked when the joint undertaking will begin. He offered no details except to say the two sides are already discussing the matter.
The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China, areas believed to be rich in aquatic resources as well as mineral and gas deposits.
Since coming to power last year, Duterte has sought a more pragmatic and conciliatory approach toward China in exchange for economic concessions or assistance.
As part of this strategy, he has opted not to follow up on the landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague in July 2016, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
Duterte also reiterated Monday that he is not willing to go to war with China over the disputed areas, saying it would be a “slaughter” of Philippine forces if such an occasion would arise.
“We are lacking. They have the state-of-the-art (equipment) and everything. They have the missiles now which are locked on to us, ” he said, adding that Chinese warheads could reach the Philippine capital in seven minutes.
Relations between the Philippines and China have considerably eased with Duterte’s election to the presidency last year, with his less confrontational approach toward China over the South China Sea disputes.
Duterte has repeatedly referred to China as a friend, and on many occasions he has publicly thanked it for the financial assistance it has promised his government.
The Philippine leader, in fact, included progress achieved in developing relations with China as a highlight of his first year of office, all the while slamming his country’s traditional ally, the United States, for transgressions dating to more than a century ago.
In his national address, Duterte demanded from the United States the return of three church bells supposedly taken by American troops as spoils of war after a massacre of the townspeople of Balangiga on Samar Island in the central Philippines in 1901.
“Those bells are reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebearers who resisted the American colonizers and sacrificed their lives in the process.
