Duterte doubts US will defend PH vs. China: Mag-suicide kaya ang America para sa atin?

President Rodrigo Duterte is unsure whether the United States will come to the Philippines’ aid in case the country is attacked by China as a result of the maritime dispute in the South China Sea.

Duterte on April 17 reiterated his refusal to go to war with China despite Beijing’s aggressive reclamation activities in the disputed waters. He said no country will help the Philippines in case it gets into an armed conflict with the Asian superpower.

“Pero ngayon, magsabi ka, ‘mag-fight ako sa China,’ okay, who will come? Who will? Sino? Magbigay ka ng limang magtulong sa atin. America? Mag-suicide kaya ang America ng nuclear war para sa atin? Basig pagka nag-nuclear war, ubos man tayong lahat sa mundong ito,” he said during a speech in Batangas.

“Russia, bitawan niya lahat. Bitawan ang China, bitawan ang Britain, bitawan ang… Puro atomic — nuclear. Tapos magsabi ka, magpunta ka ng China, sige samahan mo ako para makipag-giyera? Would America risk a third world war just to defend?” Duterte added.

Under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the US is required to defend the Philippines in case there is any arrmed attack on any Philippine forces, aircraft, or vessels in the South China Sea.

Despite ruling out war with China, Duterte said Beijing “should also meet” the Philippines “halfway” and avoid activities which would raise tensions in the South China Sea, which includes the West Philippine Sea.

“Iyong Pag-asa Islands, sinabi ko, huwag ninyong i-surround kasi may mga sundalo ako diyan. ‘Pag nagkamali ‘yang p**… Nag-warning lang ako. Hindi ko tinatakot ang China. But it could precipitate trouble there. ‘Pag namatayan ako ng sundalo maski isa, ah gulo na ‘yan,” he said.

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