Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — President Rodrigo Duterte assured China that he will not place weapons on islands in the South China Sea.
In his pre-departure speech at the Davao International Airport Monday, Duterte maintained that the Philippines and China remain friendly, despite recent tension in China’s infrastructure-building and research in surrounding islets.
“So for the information of China, we will not place there any offensive weapons, not even one gun. We are just there to claim the island for us because that is really ours,” Duterte said.
The President claimed on Thursday, April 6 that he had ordered the Armed Forces to “occupy” the nine islands in the Kalayaan group of islands in the Spratlys, build infrastructure and place the Philippine flag in the area.
Read more: Duterte plans to visit Pag-asa Island, rename Benham Rise
He added that the move is simply to balance geopolitical powers in the region.
“I ordered the occupation of the ten or nine islands that are just near our shores because there’s a heightening of the geopolitical issues and eventually maybe a violent low-intensity war over here,” Duterte clarified.
“China can relax. We are friends. We will not go to war with you,” he added.
But Duterte also said that Benham Rise—which he plans to rename Philippine Ridge—is in Philippine territory, and it is not open for any exploration from Chinese vessels.
Chinese vessels were spotted last year conducting research in Benham Rise which both the Departments of Foreign Affairs and National Defense claimed had no permission from the Philippine government.
Read more: China won’t explain presence in Benham Rise – and that’s OK with PH
Manila and Beijing are set to sit down for bilateral talks in May in relation to the South China Sea dispute.
Read more: PH, China to start maritime row talks in May
