Philippines President Duterte breaks ties with The US

Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte, who’s currently on a four-day visit to China, has declared his “separation” from the country’s ever-present ally the United States of America. He made his decisions known in Beijing on Thursday.

Duterte, who referred to U.S. president Barack Obama as “son of a whore” during earlier events scheduled at this year’s G20 Summit, said he has chosen to wine and dine with China.

“Your honours, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States…both in military but also economics,” he said to a cheering crowd during the meeting in China’s capital city Beijing.

President Duterte’s hatred for the U.S. comes in the aftermath of his government’s bloody war against drug dealers which has taken over 3,500 lives within a few months, a violation of human rights which America and the U.N. has since condemned.

Image shows a large number of citizens arrested in one of Philippines’ cities. 

“America does not control our lives. Enough bullshit,” he continued in his speech, usually flipping between English and his local language as usual.

“How can you be the most powerful industrial country when you owe China and you are not paying it?” The president asked.

“I have separated from them. So I will be dependent on you for all time. But do not worry. We will also help as you help us,” he told Xi in a remark, according to a report from CBN News.

“China has been a friend of the Philippines and the roots of our bonds are very deep and not easily severed.

“Even as we arrive in Beijing, close to winter, this is a springtime of our relationship,” he added.

The 71-year-old has made up his mind on tilting Philippine’s diplomacy towards China, a country with ” a big heart” and probably “deeper pockets”.

Image shows Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte and Xi Jinping of China.

Both Xi Jinping and his Philippines counterpart Rodrigo Duterte pledged their loyalty, undying trust and mutual co-operation for their two countries during the historical event at China’s Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, Xi referred to Philippines and China as “neighbours across the sea”, adding that the two countries have “no reason for hostility or confrontation”.

In a statement to the Filipino community in Beijing, president Rodrigo Duterte compared China and the U.S., saying the latter has offered very little or nothing for their longstanding friendship even as a former colonial ruler.

The firebrand ruler who’s known for his vulgar language also repeated his stand on President Barack Obama being a “son of a whore”.

“China is good,” he said earlier. “It [China] has never invaded a piece of my country all these generations.”

As negotiations between the two countries continue, LA Times reported that China and the Philippines are signing agreements for $13.5 billion in trade deals, adding that Duterte’s country also gained $9 billion in low-interest loans.

The new found love between China and Philippines that warranted such statements from Duterte, is yet to be unraveled.

However, it’s a surprise that Philippines would suddenly choose to severe a 70-year-old relationship with Obama’s country, and open up negotiations with China over disputed fishing waters in the South China Sea. This is indeed, a surprise change of policy and another form of Cold War in the pipe.

An international tribunal in The Hague ruled against China’s claim of historical rights to the waters in July. And Duterte says: “Maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world — China, Philippines and Russia.”

“We are going to be seeking an explanation of exactly what the president meant when he talked about separation from the U.S.,” Kirby, U.S. State Department spokesman said. “It’s not clear to us exactly what that means in all its ramifications.”