Duterte eyes closer ties with China, Russia

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President Rodrigo Duterte is moving for a closer alliance between the Philippines, China and Russia, traditional enemies of the United States after getting irritated by the US government's interference with his local affairs.

Duterte has planned trips to both countries.

The prresident said he already held preliminary talks with Russian and Chinese leaders on how to boost economic cooperation in many sectors.

“I will not break ties but we will open up alliances with China and (Russia). I had a good talk with Prime Minister (Dmitri) Medvedev. They are waiting for me,” he said.

“After China, I think I will go to Japan and I’ll go to Russia. Never mind about the ratings. I will open up the Philippines for them to do business, alliances of trade and commerce,” he added.

According to the president, boosting economic cooperation on telecommunications, shipping and airlines was among the topics he discussed with Medvedev.

“I told him I’m about to cross the Rubicon between me and the United States at least for the six years. I would need your help in everything – trade, commerce and I will open up,” he said.

Despite territorial disputes, he is also willing to push for a closer relationship with China.

" I have talked to Xi Jinping. I’m going to China. I will open up all avenues of trade and commerce. They can come in,” Duterte said.

While he seeks trade with other nations, he ruled out any "military alliances", especially with the United States in dealing with South China Sea.

"If America wants to go to war about China Sea, he can have his day. I will not participate. I will not join a war that would only destroy my country because we are not really up to arms of the opposite side. Nothing will happen to us,” he said.

Duterte said that the government will no longer join joint sea patrols with foreign countries to avoid raising tension in the disputed water. MJM

SOURCE: ABS-CBN News

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