Philippines’ Duterte Tells China to ‘Lay Off’ Island in Disputed Waters

A Philippine flag flutters in Philippine occupied (Pagasa) Thitu island, in disputed South China Sea, as soldiers and civilians sing the country's national anthem on April 21, 2017. Erik De Castro/Reuters

MANILA—Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told China on April 4 to “lay off” an island occupied by Manila in the disputed South China Sea and said he would deploy his soldiers there if Beijing touches it.

Duterte’s remarks, which he said was not a warning but rather a word of advice to a friend, follow a statement made by the foreign affairs ministry calling the presence of more than 200 Chinese fishing boats near Thitu island illegal.