DUTERTE ADMITSChina ‘in possession’ of disputed watershome/News/Headlines/China ‘in possession’ of disputed watersPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is opposing military exercises in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), saying it will only create “friction” and prompt China to go to war. “No, because — it’s not military drills because I said China is already in possession. So why do you have to create frictions — strong — military activity that will prompt a response from China?” Duterte told reporters when asked if he was in favor of holding military drills in the disputed waters. The Philippines and China have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, along with Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. China still refuses to acknowledge the July 12, 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, Netherlands, invalidating Beijing’s sweeping claims to the South China Sea.

Source: Manila Times November 15, 2018 16:18 UTC