President Duterte yesterday urged China to “relax” as he said he meant no harm when he ordered the military to start occupying islands within the countries’ territory in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). He said the country is not planning to go to war. Duterte made the statement at the heels of concerns raised by China after he said on Thursday last week that he has ordered the military to occupy nine to 10 islands that he said already belongs to the country.

Montemayor, J., & Reyes, V. (2017, April 11). Duterte to China: Relax, no weapon in PH-occupied areas. Malaya Bussines Insight, pp. B1, B6.