The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes it appear less important about China's reclamation and militarization in the South China Sea. The Philippine president even suggested on Thursday that the United States should take the matter with their own hands if they wanted to stop China.
"No, because if it really was a serious concern, the US should lead the way and stop it right in the beginning," Duterte said when asked about whether he is worried about the man-made islands built by China along the disputed waters.
"I said, right at the beginning, when the first spray of soil was tossed out to the area they (China) reclaimed -why did their (America's) think-tank not think?" he reportedly added.
"The only superpower capable of taking on China is the US," said Mr Duterte as cited by Today Online, who added that he had no intention of aggressively pursuing the Philippine maritime claims in the disputed waterway.
"I cannot let is pass and be neglected," he told CNN Philippines, referring to the ruling that rejected China's extensive claims in the South China Sea. "But are you ready to talk with me now? Because if you are not, I am not ready," he said, referring to China.
The leader was reported to be avoiding confrontation with China and saw that there is no need for urgency in abiding the July ruling by an international tribunal on South China Sea claims.
"When the minerals are already being siphoned out," he said when asked under what condition he would challenge China.
"(It's a) question of money. 'Wait a minute, I thought we're friends'," he said.
"The wealth that comes out there, it is like inheritance when your father and mother dies, that is a mess," added Duterte.
