Where’s the strong reaction on China?

President Duterte bristled against a US defense official’s criticism over the plan to acquire submarines and other military equipment from Russia. “Who are you to warn us?” he said.

He rebuked the United States for not doing anything to improve our military in the past 60 years despite the US-Philippine alliance.

I wish to hear Mr. Duterte utter the same strongly worded comment on the continuing actions and statements of China regarding the West Philippine Sea.

Had he exhibited even a semblance of the same in-your-face pronouncement since assuming office, China may not have become this bold in building within our exclusive economic zone and claiming it as theirs.

Our victory at The Hague, coming just a few days after taking his oath of office, plus strong world opinion following such victory, should have gotten the better of the President.

BENJIE GUERRERO, [email protected]