The president of the Philippines said he may sever ties with the U.S. and establish alliances with two known U.S. rivals.
President Rodrigo Duterte railed against the U.S. in three separate speeches in Manila Tuesday. He slammed America for criticizing his drug war and for refusing to sell the Philippines missiles and other weapons, reports Reuters.
“This is what happens now. I will be reconfiguring my foreign policy. Eventually, in my time, I will break up with America. I would rather go with Russia or China,” the president said.
“Although this may sound shit to you, it is my sacred duty to keep the integrity of this republic and the people healthy,” he said.
“If you don’t want to sell me arms, I’ll go to Russia. I sent the generals to Russia and Russia said ‘do not worry, we have everything you need, we’ll give it to you,’” Duterte explained. “And as for China, they said ‘just come over and sign and everything will be delivered’.”
Earlier Tuesday, Duterte lashed out at President Barack Obama and the European Union for criticizing his brutal “shoot-to-kill” drug war.
“You can go to hell, Mr. Obama, you can go to hell,” Duterte said.
“EU, you can choose purgatory. Hell is full already. Why should I be afraid of you?” he added.
Duterte said Sunday that he would consider putting an end to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Act (EDCA) which gives American military forces access to military bases in the Philippines.
The explosive president also said that he has received support and respect from China and Russia, but has received only criticisms from the U.S. Last month, Duterte indicated that he would prefer to purchase weapons and military equipment from Russia and China rather than the U.S.
Joint U.S.-Philippines war games are presently underway; however, Duterte has declared that these exercises will be the “last.” The president has also cancelled joint patrols with the U.S. in the South China Sea
The U.S. argues that the U.S.-Philippines alliance is “ironclad,” but Duterte has repeatedly demonstrated its growing fragility.
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