By Genalyn Kabiling China just wants to be friends with the Philippines, President Duterte said Tuesday in ruling out anew any war with the Asian giant over a territorial dispute. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (ROBINSON NIÑAL JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) The President highlighted the generosity of China towards the Philippines, saying Beijing has offered military assistance to the country without asking for anything in return. "Pumunta ako ng China, they just want to be friends. Binigyan ako ng armas, binigyan ako ng bala, eh hanggang ngayon wala namang hiningi, wala namang hininging teritoryo ," Duterte said during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Malabon City Tuesday night. Duterte insisted that he won't use force against China over the dispute in the West Philippine Sea due to concerns it would only result in the deaths of government troops. He was also concerned that China could launch a missile attack in Manila within seven minutes. "Eh ‘yung away nila diyan hindi man nating kaya ," he said. "If I go to war pupulpugin ang Navy ko in a matter of minutes. At kung makipag-giyera ako sa China, in seven minutes ‘yung missile nila aabot ng Maynila. Bakit ako makipag-away? Bakit ko ipaubos ang pulis ko pati sundalo ko, buhay ‘yan ," he added. He admitted that he was unsure if China would deal with him when he became president in 2016. He previously mentioned the country's ties were strained amid the territorial row at the time. But he decided to still go to China and Russia to enhance relations even though the United States was skeptical about his move. "You know Red China or China ang komunista just wants to be friends with us," he said. "Binigyan nga tayo ng baril, binigyan rin ng bala pumunta ako doon because America failed to deliver what we ordered. Luma na kasi ‘yung mga armas natin eh, panahon pa ni Marcos ," he added. The President made the remarks after his government drew criticisms for allegedly not doing enough to assert the country's ownership of the West Philippine Sea and protect local fishermen amid China's reclamation activities. More than 200 Chinese vessels reportedly sailed near Pag-asa Island, located within the territory, raising concerns they were trying to build a stronger presence in the area. The government has protested the alleged presence of foreign ships. Local fishermen have also reportedly complained that Chinese coast guards were still driving them away from Panatag Shoal. The alleged harassment of the fishermen may be raised by the President when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, according to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo. Duterte is expected to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation organized by China in April upon the invitation of Xi.