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Under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines has shifted to a more pro-China stance. Mr Duterte recently announced that there was nothing the country could do in the face of China’s forces. In response to Mr Duterte, Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo has admitted that she fears the country is giving into China’s territorial gains in the region.

Ms Robredo said: “I understand why our new administration is more friendly to China, but I think there should be a clear line as far as protecting our territory and sovereignty.

“The president has made a lot of statements which gives a sense we are acquiescing to what China wants.”

Ms Robredo also added that “we might wake up one day and many of our territories are no longer ours”.

The Vice President’s comments come as Mr Duterte recently claimed that the Philippines would be decimated if they tried to remove Chinese forces from the disputed zone.

READ MORE: South China Sea: Beijing warned over crunch talks by Philippines