PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday announced his “separation” from the United States in terms of military and economic cooperation, saying he would turn to China instead.
“I announce my separation from the United States, both in military and economics,” the President said in his speech during the Philippines-China Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing, China.
With this separation, the President told Chinese officials and businessmen that he would now be relying on China.
“So please, you have another problem of economics in my country. I have separated from them (US) so I will be dependent on you for a long time, but don’t worry, we will also help,” he said.
His comments came after he met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square, with the two men pledging to enhance trust and friendship, while playing down a maritime dispute.
Duterte’s visit to Beijing capped a series of recent declarations blasting the US and President Barack Obama.
Addressing the Filipino community in Beijing Wednesday, the firebrand leader said the Philippines had gained little from its long alliance with the US, its former colonial ruler.
“Your stay in my country was for your own benefit. So time to say goodbye, my friend,” he said, as if addressing the US.
source: Manila Times
No comments:
Post a Comment