ALL ABOUT ECONOMICS | Duterte assures Japan about China visit but bashes US again

From InterAksyon (Oct 26): ALL ABOUT ECONOMICS | Duterte assures Japan about China visit but bashes US again

President Rodolfo Duterte gave his assurances to Japan Wednesday that his high-profile visit to rival power China last week was all about economics, but again suggested defense ties with longtime ally Washington may be overhauled.

"You know I went to China for a visit. And I would like to assure you that all there was economics. We did not talk about arms. We avoided talking about alliances ..." he told Japanese businessmen.
Calling Japan a "long-standing friend and ally," he also called for Japanese investment in infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors.

Duterte said he did not pick quarrels with his neighbors, but had tough words for Washington, threatening once again to revise or cancel Manila's defense pacts with the United States and insisting the Philippines was not "a dog on a leash."

"I have declared that I will pursue an independent foreign policy. I want, maybe in the next two years, my country free of the presence of foreign military troops. I want them out," he said. "And if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, this shall be the last maneuver, war games between the United States and the Philippines military."

Duterte's visit to Japan comes amid jitters about his foreign policy objectives after weeks of verbal attacks on ally the United States and overtures towards China.

"I would like to make it clear to everybody that we do not pick quarrels with our friends and neighbors but to me it is high time that the president stands up to his dignity as a people," he added.

The acid-tongued leader arrived in Tokyo Tuesday on his first visit to Japan since taking office June 30 -- and immediately continued a tirade against long-time ally the US begun earlier in the day.

Duterte has vehemently criticized Washington for questioning his crime crackdown, which has claimed some 3,700 lives and attracted widespread international criticism -- but has also sent the 71-year-old former mayor's domestic popularity soaring.

He has insulted President Barack Obama, calling him the "son of a whore" and saying the Philippines can live without US assistance, though he walked back a statement in Beijing last week announcing a "separation" from the US.

On Tuesday, before a cheering audience of Filipinos, Duterte called Americans "stupid" -- but went out of his way to praise his hosts.

"Japan has really been our biggest helper," he said, pointing to help with an airport and road-building projects. "The fact is they are really so very kind."

Duterte told reporters before he left that he was keen to boost bilateral trade and was looking forward to meeting top Japanese executives.

"I will tell them clearly that the Philippines is open for business," he said, adding he wanted Japanese cooperation on key infrastructure projects.

"In particular, we can tap the experience and expertise of Japan in developing high quality and modern public transportation," he said.

He is set to hold a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the day.

Duterte will also meet with Emperor Akihito during the trip.

Bilateral relations

Duterte's harsh criticism of Washington is likely to be embarrassing for Tokyo, which depends on the US for its security. But Japan itself has so far avoided any criticism, while the US has taken a calm approach.

"We're going to take the long view," State Department spokesman John Kirby said regarding Tuesday's verbal assault.

"We're not going to react and respond to every bit of rhetoric. We're going to continue to work at this relationship," he added.

Abe had worked to improve bilateral relations with Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, and has continued that approach with Duterte.

Japan provided patrol boats to support the Philippines in its territorial row with Beijing over rival claims to the South China Sea, as it sought backing in its own maritime dispute with China.

Aquino took Beijing to an international tribunal over its extensive claims in the South China Sea -- where it has built artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities -- and the Philippines won a resounding victory in July.

But Duterte has not sought to use the verdict to anger China, instead working to improve ties and attract billions of dollars in Chinese loans and investments.

Yoshihide Suga, Japan's top government spokesman, said on Wednesday that the government will continue to aid Philippine development, but he sidestepped whether relations with the US will be a summit topic.

He said Abe will seek "frank exchanges of views from the standpoint that Japan and the Philippines will continue to contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133706/all-about-economics--duterte-assures-japan-about-china-visit-but-bashes-us-again