After disclosing his “mutual agreement” with China’s President Xi Jinping that would allow the Chinese to fish within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), President Duterte reminded Filipinos that Xi had also warned there would be “trouble” if the country insisted on exploring for oil at Recto Bank. Speaking on Thursday night at the oath-taking of incoming Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte lashed at his critics who did not seem to appreciate his efforts to avoid armed conflict over the disputed waters by egging him to push the Philippine claims on the West Philippine Sea, waters within the country’s 370-kilometer EEZ. The President said he had told Xi in a meeting that he was “going there in our area to dig oil.”

Aurelio, J. M. & Salaverria, L. B. (2019, June 29). Duterte recalls China warning if PH explores sea for oil. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A10.