The leader of a strategic American ally says that he would prefer a Chinese-Russian world order over the order established by the U.S.
“You know, if China and Russia would decide to create a new order, I will be the first to join,” President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte said before he left for this weekend’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, according to the Financial Times.
Duterte criticized the American-led liberal world order, claiming that “just because it’s America, it does not mean it’s good.”
The Philippine president’s relationship with the U.S. has grown tense in recent months. Outraged by the Obama administration’s criticisms of his war on drugs and possible human rights violations, Duterte has attacked the U.S. in numerous tirades.
Last month, Duterte called for a “separation from America.”
In his latest rant, Duterte also blasts the United Nations (U.N.) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), explaining that nothing has come from the U.N. “There’s still war. The killing is endless, the blood is splattering,” Duterte said, reports ABS-CBN.
Duterte declared the ICC a “useless” organization and threatened to withdraw from it, following in the footsteps of Russia.
While his comments and criticisms reflect previous statements, some observers suggest that the Philippine president’s recent rhetoric may stem from uncertainty over the future of the American-led world order under Donald Trump.
Despite his statements, Duterte has been generally supportive of Trump, and cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines is still ongoing.
“I don’t want to quarrel anymore, because Trump has won,” Duterte said the day after the election.
“It was a well-deserved victory. You are the chosen leader of the most powerful country,” the Philippine president explained Wednesday. “We don’t have any quarrels. I can always be a friend to anybody,” he said, hinting that he and Trump could be friends and repair the rift in bilateral relations that came about under President Barack Obama.
U.S. and Philippine troops began joint combat exercises Wednesday. The Balance Piston war games will last for one month.
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