Philippines’ Duterte says no concern about Beijing militarisation, man-made isles in South China Sea

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said the failure of the United States to thwart China’s island-building in the South China Sea showed there was no serious concern about its militarisation or reclamation work.

The firebrand leader reiterated he wanted to avoid confrontation with China and saw no need for urgency in pressing it to abide by a July ruling by an international tribunal on its South China Sea claims that went in favour of the Philippines.

Asked during a television interview when he would address the issue, Duterte said it would happen “during my time” but he was not yet ready to discuss the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and neither was China.

He said he had no intention of aggressively pursuing the Philippine maritime claim and taking on China and the only power capable of doing so was the United States.

“I cannot let is pass and be neglected,” he told CNN Philippines, referring to the ruling that rejected China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea.

“But are you ready to talk with me now? Because if you are not, I am not ready,” he said, referring to China.

Duterte made a stunning U-turn in foreign policy a few months ago when he made overtures towards longtime rival China and started berating traditional ally the United States.

He has previously played down the arbitration case, saying it would “take a back seat” during his talks in China in October.