Duterte says South China Sea dispute is 'delicate balancing act'

Philippine leader uses key national address to defend maritime policy

20190722 PHILIPPINES-POLITICS/

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during his fourth State of the Nation Address at the Philippine Congress in Metro Manila on Monday. © Reuters

CLIFF VENZON and MIKHAIL FLORES, Nikkei staff writers

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is treading carefully for once.

Keen to keep Chinese money rolling into his country despite domestic pressure over his overtures toward Beijing, Duterte said Monday he is performing a "delicate balancing act" on the South China Sea territorial dispute with China.

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