President Duterte cancels visit to disputed island in the South China Sea

(Baonghean.vn)-On April 12, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he had canceled a planned visit to the island in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: CNN

Speaking to the Filipino community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the evening of April 12 during his tour of the Gulf countries, Mr. Duterte said he would not go to Thitu Island to plant the national flag. However, the Philippine leader left open the possibility of sending his son to visit the island.

Last week, the Philippine president announced plans to visit Pagasa Island, which the Philippines claims in the South China Sea, and plant the national flag there. He also said he would reinforce barracks on the island, a move that has raised concerns among parties involved in the South China Sea.

Image of Thi Tu Island in the East Sea taken on April 28, 2015. Photo: AP

Thitu Island is close to Subi Reef, one of seven artificial islands in the Spratly Islands that China has accused of militarizing with the installation of surface-to-air missiles and other military equipment.

Previously, on April 10, President Duterte announced that Manila would only strengthen, not militarize, the areas in the East Sea that the country claims sovereignty over, in order to maintain the geopolitical balance./.

Lan Ha

(According to Reuters)