Posted 4/12/2024, 9:42:03 AM
Duterte Says China Threatened War Over South China Sea; Marcos Aligns More with US as Biden Affirms Defense of Philippines
- Duterte claims China threatened war with Philippines if it extracted oil or changed status quo in South China Sea
- Duterte denies agreeing to give up Philippine territorial rights, only agreed to maintain status quo
- Duterte's successor Marcos Jr. aligning more with US to counterbalance China
- Biden reiterates US defense commitments to Philippines are "ironclad"
- Analysts say US would defend Philippines if in its interests, warn not to rely solely on economic ties preventing conflict with China