Duterte warns China: Warships if drilling for oil

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Monday that he would deploy warships to the South China Sea if China begins drilling for oil or exploiting other resources in disputed waters.

Duterte emphasized that fishing disputes are not his primary concern but protecting the country's rights over scarce resources like oil and natural gas is non-negotiable.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified on Tuesday that Duterte has set a limit to the Philippines' friendship with China, stating that the President will assert territorial claims when it comes to exploiting resources in the West Philippine Sea.