President Duterte touched on the decision of an international arbitration trial on the South China Sea on the night of the 5th, saying, "It's out of paper. I'll throw it away." ..
In response, local media have criticized the president for avoiding hostilities with China.
This problem was triggered by the confirmation that more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels were moored in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea in March, and many fishing vessels were confirmed in other waters as well. The Philippine Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to protest violently.
Against this backdrop, President Duterte delivered a television speech on the night of the 5th, touching on the decision of an international arbitral tribunal that completely denied China's allegations in the South China Sea in 2016. It doesn't change. This is a piece of paper. I'll throw it in the trash box. "
In addition, with criticism that maritime security should be strengthened, he replied, "Is it necessary to send the Navy or Coast Guard to that area? It is a waste of soldiers' lives."
Meanwhile, in his speech, President Duterte said that China "has a grace" as the largest supplier of the new coronavirus vaccine.
Local media have criticized these statements, saying, "The president saw China as his best friend and avoided hostility" for the vaccine.