China has not asked for anything in return for its assistance to the Philippines, President Duterte said as he allayed concerns of some groups over Beijing’s reported deployment of missiles on disputed areas in the South China Sea. “To this day, ni papel o lapis, walang hiningi ang China pati Russia (China and Russia have not asked for anything in return, not even a paper or a pencil),” Duterte said during a gathering of educators in Davao City last Friday. One word was enough to persuade China and Russia to provide help to the Philippines, according to the Chief Executive, unlike western nations who he said are imposing their views on other countries.

Romero, A. (2018, May 7). Duterte defends China amid missile deployment report. The Philippine Star, p. 6.