Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday questioned whether the United States will come to help the Philippines should invoking the arbitral award on the West Philippine Sea result in war.
“Mag-fight ako sa China? Okay. Magbigay ka ng limang country na tutulong sa atin… Would America risk a third world war just to defend, makuha mo yang Spratly (Island) na ‘yan?” Duterte asked the crowd at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign sortie in Batangas City Wednesday.
[Translation: Will I fight China? Okay. Give me five countries that will help us. Would America risk a third world war just to defend, or acquire the Spratly (Island)?]
The Spratly Island group is the hotly contested island group in the South China Sea. Manila and Beijing have an ongoing dispute over islands in this area.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. said the Philippines could turn to the U.S. if tensions further rise in the South China Sea, especially with China ignoring all diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines.
Malacanang had said asking for the help of the U.S. on issues in the West Philippine Sea, most recently the sightings of Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island, would require serious study.
“Because there may be repercussions on both sides,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Tuesday.
