Reconciliation with China
Rody says he will not insist on settling sea dispute
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expressed hope that his administration would come to terms with the Chinese government, amid his impending state visit to China on October 18 to 21.
Speaking before the members of the Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Lamitan, Basilan on Monday, Duterte said he would not insist to settle the disputes on the West Philippine Sea since the country has no capability to be in feud with China.
The President, however, said he would ask Chinese officials to allow the Filipinos to fish in the Scarborough Shoal.
“I will go to China. I suspect that we are okay with them. So we’ll be hands-off on the Scarborough because we are not in the capacity [to have a conflict with China]. If we get irate, it’s all bluster. We can’t do it,” Duterte said.
“So let’s just talk with them. I’ll tell them, ‘Allow my countrymen, the Filipinos, to fish,’” he added.
Duterte disclosed that as a welcoming development, China already allowed the Philippines to export goods like bananas and pineapples.
“Before, we can’t export bananas and pineapples. Last week, they opened [their gate allowing us to export]. I think, if we come to agreement, they would allow us again to go back to Scarborough. So that’s okay. That’s it for now. I suspect they really want to help,” he said.
Duterte earlier said he might cut ties with its longtime ally United States to open alliance with China and Russia, which he said have “respect” for the Filipino people.
“Eventually, in my time, I might, I would break up with America. I would rather go to Russia or to China. Even though we don’t agree with the ideology, they have respect for the people,” Duterte had said. SUNNEX