Exclusive - Duterte to China: 'Scarborough Shoal Is Ours!'

"Ang China ang sabi nila amin 'yan. Sabi ko amin man din 'yan," Duterte said during his speech in Tugegarao City.

The tough talking president said that he insisted during his meeting with the Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, that the Philippines owns Scarborough Shoal.

Duterte said that the Chinese president is basing his claim of ownership on the historical background of the disputed islands. Duterte countered by showing them the award of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. He said that while China has their historical claims, the Philippines won in the international court.

“Alam ko may problema tayong dalawang bansa dahil diyan sa [South] China Sea na inangkin ninyo na inyong lahat. Kami naman ay nanalo at sinabi na sa Pilipinas yan. But anyway, ang problema, ang sabi niya amin talaa ito historically at hindi kami bibigay dito. Sabi ko, lalo na kami, kasi kami ang nanalo sa korte,” Duterte said.

However, the Philippine President avoided confronting Xi, saying that there is an allotted time for them to talk about territorial matters.

“Sabi niya na we can resolve this case peacefully nang walang away, walang dugo and it will take time. Okay lang, sabi ko, basta balang araw we will continue to talk and one day in the future pag-usapan talaga natin. Di naman pwede na hayaan na lang natin ito nakabitay,” he added.

While official talks regarding the dispute are still left hanging, the Chinese government has agreed to allow Filipino fishermen to enter the territory.

“Ang pagkaalam ko pinaalis na rin niya [Xi] iyong mga Chinese na fishermen para wala nang makita diyan. Iyon ang pinag-usapan namin. We will just wait for a few more days, baka makabalik na tayo doon sa Scarborough Shoal.. [sa] pangingisda ng ating mga kababayan." Duterte said while admitting that there is no assurance China will keep their word.

Meanwhile, the President also mentioned China’s grant of $24 Billion in soft loans to the Philippines.