Philippines’ president warns the contested sea will become a “flashpoint” (Image: GETTY)
Mr Duterte addressed concerns surrounding the resource-rich sea, most of which China claims as its own, at an economic forum in Tokyo, according to France24. However, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim sovereignty over the waters. Mr Duterte said: "I love China... but it behooves upon us to ask, 'is it right for a country to claim the whole ocean?"
Beijing and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have for years tried to create a code of conduct to govern the waters but so far to no avail.
Mr Duterte continued: "I am sad and bewildered - not angry, because I cannot do anything.
"I just hope China will come up with this 'conduct' soon.
He said the “longer it takes” the greater the chance the sea would be a “flashpoint of troubles”.
READ MORE: South China Sea: Japan and South
