Duterte spars with boxer-turned-politician Pacquiao over South China Sea

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called Senator Manny Pacquiao's foreign policy knowledge "shallow" after the senator said he found Mr Duterte's stand on the South China Sea "lacking". PHOTOS: EPA-EFE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

MANILA • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has stoked a feud with boxer Manny Pacquiao by criticising his "shallow" foreign policy knowledge, after the senator and eight-division champion said he found the leader's stand on the South China Sea "lacking".

In a late night interview with SMNI news channel on Tuesday, Mr Duterte said Mr Pacquiao, a senator and close ally, should "study first" before weighing in.

Mr Pacquiao stood his ground and hit back on Wednesday, when he said that the country should pursue dialogue over disputes, but "stand strong in protecting our sovereign rights".

"I am a Filipino voicing out what needs to be said in defence of what has been adjudicated as rightfully ours," Mr Pacquiao said, referring to a 2016 international arbitral ruling won by the Philippines in a case against China.

Though Mr Duterte is hugely popular at home, he has been widely criticised for refusing to confront China over the conduct of its military, coast guard and fishing fleet, which he has repeatedly said would be pointless.

The Philippine defence and diplomatic establishment has spoken out strongly of late over the constant presence of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, which they say are manned by militias. China has denied that.

Mr Duterte has said the Philippines owes China a "huge debt" of gratitude for its support in other areas, remarks that did not sit well with Mr Pacquiao.

Mr Pacquiao, 42, had last month said he found Mr Duterte's stance to be "lacking" and "disheartening".

The comments were a surprise as Mr Pacquiao has long been among Mr Duterte's strongest backers, including over his bloody war on drugs and bid to reintroduce the death penalty.

REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 11, 2021, with the headline Duterte spars with boxer-turned-politician Pacquiao over South China Sea. Subscribe