Duterte a"master strategist", using China as leverage so US will respect PH, says analysts

President Rodrigo Duterte, despite his impulsiveness and often radical words, is a master strategist who has been playing his pieces right in a chess board which is the international scene.

Photo by Manila bulletin

According to political analysts Eduardo Araral and Richard Heydarian on Tuesday, Duterte knows how to deal with both China and the United States to maximize the benefits that the Philippines will get.

In a column in the South China Morning Post, the analysts said the President has been adversial towards the White House because he wants the Western superpower to prove its sincerity in maintaining relationships with its long-time ally in Asia Pacific.


The US, however can still maintain friendly relations with the Philippines if they:

-make tangible contributions in the administration’s war against drugs

-be more sober in its criticism of Duterte on the issue of human rights

-give Duterte the respect he deserves as head of state

-provide the Philippines with aid commensurate to its position as a valuable ally in Asia

- and clarify the extent of the mutual defense treaty

SOURCE: Politiko 

Love this article? Sharing is caring!