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President Duterte argued “everyone” knows any attacks would lead to a war, Philippine news agency (PNA) reported. The Philippines are currently clashing with China over the Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag. Beijing has been accused of “endangering” the lives of Filipino fishermen following increased Chinese military presence around the Philippine island of Pag-asa, known as Thitu Island.

Preside Duterte said in a speech at Agusan del Norte: ”America was scared. They knew that war about something so small is not worth it. “Because if they hit us and America decides to help, it could trigger a world war. America knows it. Everybody does. "If those nuclear bombs, atom bombs, and hydrogen bombs will explode, nothing will be left of this world. We would all be destroyed. “So America said, both of you should retreat.' Del Rosario, former Foreign Affairs Secretary, ordered our ship to retreat, but China refused to follow. That is why they filed a case.” READ MORE: South China Sea: Philippines SUES China for harvesting giant clams

President Rodrigo Duterte said a world war could be triggered if China was to hit them

The Philippines are currently clashing with China over the Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag

The President was referring to the deal the US-brokered between the Philippines and China which asked the countries to withdraw vessels from the area. The Philippines pulled their vessels out of the area but China reportedly did not. Mr Duterte added the US thinks it is “not worth it” to start a war with China over the Scarborough Shoal. He said: “We can't defeat them. So let's stick to just talking.”

Beijing has been accused of “endangering” the lives of Filipino fishermen

The Philippines and the US are under the Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT) where each ally must provide aid in the event of an armed attack against either Washington or Manila by an external party, the PNA reported. Tensions in the South China Sea have risen in the past year as the US tries to push back China’s hold on the region. The Filipino president previously warned China of “suicide missions” if China doesn’t retreat from Thitu Island. He said: “I will not plead or beg, but I am just telling you that lay off the Pagasa because I have soldiers there.

The Filipino president previously warned China of “suicide missions”