Duterte: Honor Recto Bank exploration deal with China

This map shows Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea, including Recto (Reed) Bank, which is within Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Wikimedia Commons / US Department of State, cartographer

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated that the Philippines must honor its Recto Bank exploration agreement with China to avoid “potential trouble” after being alerted that some companies were trying to meddle with the project.

In his public address late Monday, Duterte said an unnamed source from China warned that they will deploy soldiers if the Philippines were to deploy its own men in the area.

“Alam mo pinaalala sa akin, di ko na sabihin kung sino from China — sabi niya ‘Hindi ba may usapan tayo that joint development yang sa Recto Bank? May bagong mga istorya na may papalit na,’” Duterte said.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/03/08/2165814/duterte-honor-recto-bank-exploration-deal-china