MANILA, Philippines — Naniniwala si Pangulong Duterte na panahon na upang pag-usapan ng mga claimants at China ang ukol sa sea disputes sa South China Sea.
“It’s about time either in the bilateral or in the plenary I should be bringing this important matter in the surface. It’s time for Asean countries to make clear to us what China wants,” sabi ng Pangulo sa media interview kahapon bago siya tumulak patungong Vietnam para dumalo sa APEC Summit.
“I only dream for my country a better life for the people, food security, connective, rule of law, anti-corruption, regional security. The truth is if I can only confront China or China alone, it will never be a problem. But if I engage China now, I will have to engage the five other claimants,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo.
Samantala, iginiit din ni Pangulong Duterte na hindi niya papayagan na panghimasukan ng sinumang bansa ang internal affairs ng Pilipinas.
“The Philippines is a sovereign state. I will not allow anybody to impose anything on my country. I will listen to you but, if it does not to the best of interest for my country, I will ignore you,” ayon kay Duterte sa nakatakda niyang pakikipag-usap kina Chinese President Xi Jinping at US President Donald Trump sa APEC Summit.