Negotiations with China for joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea will proceed despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning that war would ensue if China decides to exploit the natural resources of the contested waters on its own, the Palace said Thursday.
“Nothing [will be affected] because what we’re discussing is joint exploration, and he [Duterte] warned against unilateral exploration,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing.
Roque also said that the President did not change his tune towards the WPS, pointing out that he “has been consistent” from the start.
He added, however, that going to war with China was useless.
“There’s no point openly picking up a fight with China because that’s counterproductive,” said Roque, while saying that the country will not give up any territory in the disputed waters.
“He has been consistent that he will not give away an inch of Philippine territory,” he added.
On Tuesday, Duterte warned China not to monopolize and exploit the oil and mineral deposits in the WPS on its own.
Duterte’s recent critical statements against China started when he urged Beijing to “temper” its behavior, saying that they could not claim the air above the artificial islands they had built.
Defense Undersecretary Arsenio Andolong said Thursday that the military would defend the country’s sovereignty at all cost despite being ill-equipped.
“We are ready to carry out our mandate,” Andolong said.
He added, however, that they do not foresee a war with China over the WPS.
He said the military would continue patroling the country’s exclusive economic zone to protect its rights. With Francisco Tuyay