"Bloodshed May Occur," China Warns
Unusually Strong Response to Criticism of Passive Measures
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recently issued a warning that a bloody conflict could occur in response to China's repeated incursions into the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), marking his first tough stance on the matter. This statement is interpreted as a response to domestic and international criticism that the government has been overly passive in dealing with violations of its territorial waters. Despite the strong rhetoric, President Duterte has been criticized for continuing a pro-China approach, having secured financial and vaccine support from China.
According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP), on the 19th (local time), President Duterte delivered an unusual late-night public speech, stating, "If China drills for oil in our waters, we will send warships," and added, "I am not too concerned about the recent dispatch of fishing boats to the South China Sea. We can just send coast guard vessels to drive them away." He emphasized, "If China extracts resources from our waters, I will insist that this is based on our agreement with China, and we will also extract resources."
President Duterte's tough remarks are considered highly unusual within the Philippines. After securing promises of COVID-19 vaccines and financial aid from China, he had repeatedly avoided discussing the South China Sea territorial dispute, stating, "The Philippines does not have the power to stop China." However, as domestic public opinion worsened significantly, it is interpreted that he made the strong statement in response to rising anti-China sentiment.
Earlier, professors from Philippine universities issued a protest statement, criticizing the government for failing to take proper action despite reports that around 200 Chinese fishing vessels had illegally occupied coral reefs within the Philippine EEZ.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
