BEIJING, China – Goodbye, old friend.
As he vowed to veer towards China and Russia, President Duterte has finally decided to “separate” from the United States particularly in terms of the country’s military and economic relations.
The Philippine-US relations also took another sour turn when the President hinted plans to impose visa restrictions to American travelers to the country during his remarks before the Filipino and Chinese businessmen in Beijing.
“In this venue, I announce my separation from the United States, both in military, not social… but economics also,” the President said in his impromptu remarks at the Philippine-China Trade and Investment Forum at the Great Hall of the People last Thursday night.
“You have another problem of economic in my country. I have separated from them so I will be dependent on you for all time. But do not worry we will also help our Asian brother,” Duterte told the Chinese business community present at the Great Hall of the People.
In the latest sharp rebuke of the US, Duterte explained that he has decided to forge closer relations with China and Russia since he finds no more reason to stay with America.
Duterte said “nothing has happened” in the Philippines despite the funds and other assistance supposedly given by the United States over the years.
He claimed that the US merely espoused “election, corruption, election, corruption all the way” while keeping its hold of the country. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
