Duterte: PH will not waver in its commitment to defend West PH Sea

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said the Philippines will not abandon its claims in the West Philippine Sea despite criticisms of the government’s alleged inaction over China’s militarization in the disputed sea.

“Our improved relationship in China does not mean that we will waver to defend our interest in the West Philippine Sea,” Duterte said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

The President cited the bilateral consultation mechanism between China and the Philippines in resolving the dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

Upon his assumption in office, Duterte chose to set aside The Hague ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea and instead initiated bilateral talks with Beijing to resolve the sea dispute.   /vvp