MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte has urged the Chinese people to treat Filipinos as “brothers and not enemies” as the Philippines and China prepare to work on agreeable terms regarding the West Philippine Sea.
Duterte made the call during yesterday’s tribute to Filipino heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua among the guests.
The two countries are ready to discuss matters that may unite them, amid a ruling of the UN’s Permanent Court of Arbitration rejecting Beijing’s nine-dash line claim on the disputed territory.
“I hope the Chinese people will find a place in their heart for Filipinos, for after all there is Chinese blood in me. I hope you treat us as your brothers and not enemies and take note of the plight of our citizens,” Duterte said.
The President appealed to Beijing to consider the plight of Filipino fishermen, who have been driven out of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc by the Chinese navy.
“Please understand the reason why they are there is because they are poor,” he said, apparently addressing Zhao.
Recognizing the superiority of the Chinese military, Duterte said he has no option but to talk peace with China.
“I don’t want to go to war. So if I don’t, there is always war and peace. If I am not ready for war, then peace is the only means,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of taking the peaceful route toward settling the territorial dispute with China.
“For now, Mr. Ambassador, I want to talk to you, and maybe give us time to build our forces. You have so much superiority. But if it comes to parity between as many ships as you have, maybe just maybe. But if we continue and treat each other as brothers and understand, especially the plight of the fishermen…”
Duterte said he respects the decision of the UN tribunal awarding the Philippines historic rights over some areas in the West Philippines Sea.
But he said he would not allow the arbitration ruling to hamper the talks between Manila and Beijing on the matter.
“I will state my case before you. I will never bring the matter up because it might lead to the suspension of talks and that is not good. I propose that I will not use the arbitral judgment now, but I will sit in front of a representative or you, and I will lay there my position and I will say: ‘This paper, I cannot get out with the four corners of this document,’ which is the arbitral ruling,” he said.
Beijing open for talks
Beijing is ready for talks with Manila, Zhao said on the sidelines of yesterday’s ceremony where he called President Duterte “friend.”
“We will talk diplomatic matters that contribute to the well-being of our people,” he said as he reiterated Beijing’s stance that it does not adhere to the UN arbitral ruling.
“We cannot accept the arbitration award but we look forward to talking to the Philippines bilaterally over the topics that we have right now,” he said.
“We need to change our focus from differences to common interests so we can concentrate on cooperation that would benefit our people,” he added.
Zhao said Beijing is studying Duterte’s appeal for China to allow Filipino fishermen on Panatag Shoal.