Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte reviews honour guards during the 120th Philippine navy anniversary celebration in Manila, Philippines, 22 May 2018. (EPA photo)MANILA: The Philippines is prepared to go to war if military personnel are harmed in disputed waters, a top security official said on Wednesday, firing back at criticism the government was going soft on China and allowing it to militarise the South China Sea. President Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway, including areas within Manila's Exclusive Economic Zone. "The other night, the president said if his troops are harmed, that could be his red line," Esperon told reporters. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $3-trillion worth of goods passes every year.

Source: Bangkok Post May 30, 2018 06:45 UTC