Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has urged China to “temper” its behavior in the South China Sea in a rare criticism of the Asian superpower over its program of island-building in disputed waters. China has alarmed and angered its neighbors by claiming dominion over most of the South China Sea and building a string of artificial islands and military airbases. But the outspoken Duterte—keen to court trade and investment from Beijing—has mostly withheld criticism.

Rody slams China over WP Sea. (2018, August 16). Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.