THE Philippines will not sever ties with the United States government, according to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“It’s in the best interest of my countrymen to maintain that relationship,” said Duterte who is expected to clash head on with most Filipinos if he will make good with his plan to end military and economic ties with the US, the country’s long-time ally.
“It is not severance of ties. When you say severance of ties, you cut diplomatic relations. I cannot do that,” according to Duterte.
Most Filipinos put their trust on the US government more than the Chinese government, based on the survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Duterte said he was not severing ties with the US but merely pursuing a more independent foreign policy.
As usual, Duterte struck a more conciliatory when he arrived in the Philippines after a four-day visit to Beijing.
Speaking at the Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Duterte said the US had “lost now.” “I announce my separation from the United States,” said Duterte who sent ripples all over the world.