Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte defends Thitu Island
April 9, 2019
It was a tactic of World War II: soldiers, sailors and pilots flinging themselves at their enemies in suicide attacks.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned of the return of the ‘kamikaze’ — or ‘divine wind’ — tactics of the Japanese.
Describing his dilemma in dealing with an immensely more powerful China in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the president said he has few options other than to order troops to “prepare for suicide missions”.
He was referring to recent moves by Beijing to surround the island of Thitu (also known as Pag-asa) with some 270 fishing militia and Coast Guard vessels — both of which are controlled by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs stated last week that their presence was “illegal” and a “clear violation of Philippine sovereignty”.
Rodrigo Duterte: (imago)
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