PRESIDENT-elect Rodrigo Duterte said the country’s territorial dispute with China over some shoals and reefs in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is no reason for him to engage the mainland in a shooting war even with the backing of the US military.

During his speech at the Davao City Business Forum on Tuesday, the incoming President made his policy clear against further fanning the conflict over such a “little” issue as the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.