Duterte says Beijing should rethink its behavior in disputed S. China Sea

The Philippines president said on Tuesday that China’s claim to airspace above newly built islands and surrounding waters in the disputed South China Sea “is wrong.” Beijing should not tell others to leave those areas to avoid possible clashes, according to Rodrigo Duterte. His remarks in a speech to an audience that included the American ambassador and other foreign guests represented rare public criticism of China. “They have to rethink that, because that would be a flashpoint someday,” Duterte said. “You cannot create an island, it’s man-made, and you say that the air above these artificial islands is yours.” The president added: “That is wrong because those waters are what we consider international sea.” Two weeks ago, Manila expressed concern to Beijing over an increasing number of Chinese radio messages warning Philippines aircraft and ships to stay away from Chinese-held artificial islands in the disputed waters, AP reported.