It was the inaction of the United States that emboldened China to aggressively assert its claim in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, including building artificial islands, many of which have evolved into military facilities with advanced communications and weapons systems, President Rodrigo Duterte told a gathering of lawyers Thursday night. In remarks before members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Pasay City, Duterte said only the US has the capability to stop China’s actions in disputed waters, but the superpower appeared to have let the Chinese have their way, to the consternation of neighboring countries. The President stressed that the Philippines – under his leadership – would never engage in a violent confrontation with any country, much less with China, just to promote its maritime interests.

Cervantes, D., & Laude, J. (2017, March 25). Duterte: US to blame for China sea actions. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 6.