Philippines’ Duterte Aligns with China and Russia, Announces ‘Separation From the United States’

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced his “separation” from the United States and had realigned with China as they continued with the bilateral talks regarding the South China Sea.

The President made his comments Thursday in Beijing, where he was accompanied by 200 prominent Filipino business people. They are seeking a new chapter in a new economic alliance with China.

In a business forum, President Duterte told the Chinese and Filipino business people, “I announce my separation from the United States”. This was followed by applause while in the presence of the Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

“Both in military, not maybe social, but economics also. America has lost,” he added.
Newly elected President Duterte declared the reversal in foreign policy, months after the international tribunal ruled that China has no historic rights in the South China Sea.

$13.5 billion deals will be signed during the China trip, according to Philippine Trade Secretary, Ramon Lopez.

President Duterte added, “I’ve realigned myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to (President Vladimir) Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world – China, Philippines and Russia. It’s the only way.”

The Philippines has been a long-time ally of the United States in Asia. President Duterte’s remarks, nonetheless, will raise new concern between the two countries.

The President’ predecessor signed an agreement giving U.S. forces access to Philippine bases. Further doubts are now raised about the future of this arrangement.

However, White House spokesman Ned Price said, Washington and Manila has a traditional alliance that cannot easily be broken.

“The U.S.-Philippines alliance is built on a 70-year history, rich people-to-people ties, including a vibrant Filipino-American diaspora, and a long list of shared security interests,” spokesman Ned Price added, “We also remain one of the Philippines’ strongest economic partners; the current stock of U.S. foreign direct investment stands above $4.7 billion.”

President Duterte’s Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia released a statement hours after his speech saying, “Asian economic integration is long overdue.”

“We will maintain relations with the West but we desire stronger integration with our neighbors,” they added”. We share the culture and a better understanding of our region.”

China rolls out red carpet

China prepared a great welcome for President Duterte, including a marching band complete with baton-twirling band master at his official greeting ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People, which is not extended to most international leaders.

The meeting of the two Presidents was called a “milestone” between the two countries ties.

President Xi Jinping told President Duterte that the two countries were like brothers and they could “appropriately handle disputes”. On the other hand, he did not mention the South China Sea in the presence of reporters.

“I hope we can follow the wishes of the people and use this visit as an opportunity to push China-Philippines relations back on a friendly footing and fully improve things,” President Xi said.

President Duterte said the country’s relation with China had entered a new “springtime.” Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenn added, “The South China Sea issue was not the sum total of relations.”

China claims most of the South China Sea, where almost $5 trillion in ship-borne trade transits every year. Neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.

In 2012, China has taken over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, denying Filipino fishermen access to their traditional fishing grounds.

Chinese Foreign Minister said both countries had agreed on coastguard and fisheries cooperation. He did not mention if they would give Filipino fishermen access to the shoal.

‘Goodbye my friend’

President Duterte’s position towards China is in direct contrast to the United States.

He has called the U.S. President Barack Obama a “son of a bitch,” and told him to “go to hell,” after the US criticized his bloody war on drugs.

On Wednesday, President Duterte said Philippine foreign policy was turning towards China.
“I will not go to America anymore. We will just be insulted there,” Duterte said. “So time to say goodbye my friend.”

The same day hundreds of Anti-U.S protesters gathered in front of the U.S. embassy in Manila. The activists were calling for the removal of U.S troops from the island of Mindanao.

President Duterte’s foreign policy from Washington to Beijing is unlikely to be popular at home. A recent poll showed the majority of Filipinos still trust the US more than China.

President Duterte said the South China Sea arbitration case would “take the back seat,” while talks are in motion. He said further that he would rather wait for the Chinese to bring up the issue rather than doing so himself.

According to the Chinese foreign minister, issues that could not be immediately resolved should be set aside.

China has also expressed their support for his war on drugs, which recently raised some concerns about extrajudicial killings.

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