President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday vowed never to give up the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) though he considers China a “good friend.” “China, let it be known, is a good friend and we do not want trouble with them, especially war. But there are things which are not really subject to a compromise,” Duterte said in a prerecorded speech aired over state-run PTV-4.

Valente, C. S., & Tamayo, B. (2021, April 30). PH won't give up WPS claim - Duterte. The Manila Times, p. A3.