default_image
© Khunaspix Dreamstime.

The South China Morning Post reports:

– Philippine president has rebuffed a call from China to withdraw vessels from a contested maritime area near a Chinese military installation

– With pressure building on Manila’s relationship with Beijing he warns this could be where ‘our friendship ends’

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has rebuffed a call from China to withdraw vessels from disputed areas of the South China Sea – vowing not to move an “inch backward”.

The Philippines has boosted its presence in contested areas of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including Thitu Island, near to a 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 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…

To read the full post, please click here.

Comment on this article


You must be logged in to post a comment.