Rody to raise tribunal ruling to China when minerals are 'being siphoned out'

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday vowed that he will bring up the arbitral tribunal's decision on the South China Sea dispute with Beijing when the minerals are already being siphoned out.

The president has been avoiding bringing up the topic with China as he is forging stronger relationships with the country.

The Philippines-China relations has been hostile since 2012 after a standoff at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.

In his first live interview on Philippine television after assuming the presidency, Duterte was asked what specific circumstance will prompt him to bring up the arbitral ruling.

"When the minerals are already being siphoned out. Question of money," Duterte said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The president earlier said that he is willing to share oil from the West Philippine Sea with China.

"Wait a minute, I thought we're friends. We share economic bounties and so how about us? I have this title," Duterte said.

On the other hand, the president is not alarmed over reports that Beijing appears to have constructed close-in weapon systems in seven of the artificial islands on the Spratly (Kalayaan) Islands in the disputed waters.

READ: Satellite photos show China weapons in South China Sea

Washington-based CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative recently reported that China has built point-defense capabilities in the Manila-claimed islands.

"If it was really a serious concern, then the United States should lead the way and stop it," Duterte said.

Duterte added that the Washington-based think tank was only raising the issue to put countries under stress.

Beijing earlier reiterated that it is normal for them to install weapon systems in the disputed territory as they are recognized by international law to do so.

READ: China says building facilities in South China Sea is 'normal'