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Philippines' Duterte says won't withdraw ships from contested waters

Published 05/14/2021, 05:08 PM
Updated 05/14/2021, 05:10 PM
© Reuters.

MANILA, May 14 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo
Duterte has rebuffed a call from China to withdraw vessels from
disputed areas of the South China Sea and said he would not bow
to pressure, even if it jeopardises his friendship with Beijing.
The Philippines has boosted its presence in contested areas
of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), including Thitu island,
near to Chinese military installation, in defiance of the
months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats it believes
are manned by militia.
Duterte's remarks in a televised address aired on Friday
come as pressure builds on him to abandon his pursuit of close
ties with China and stand up to what his defence chiefs say are
blatant provocations.
"We have a stand here and I want to state it here and now
again that our ships there ... we will not move an inch
backward," Duterte said.
China last month said the Philippines must "stop actions
complicating the situation and escalating disputes" in response
to a rare maritime exercise conducted by the Philippines.
"I do not want a quarrel, I do not want trouble. I respect
your position, and you respect mine. But we will not go to war,"
Duterte said.
"I will not withdraw. Even if you kill me. Our friendship
will end here."
There was no immediate response to a request for comment
from the Chinese embassy in Manila.
Duterte has been criticised for refusing to press China to
abide by a 2016 arbitration ruling on the South China Sea that
went in Philippines' favour.
He drew flak last week for saying the landmark award was
just a "piece of paper" he could throw in the trash. In his
televised address, he said he "believes in the entirety" of that
ruling.

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