Philippines wants close defense ties with China

(Baonghean.vn) - The Philippines has called the US its 'number one ally' and announced the resumption of bilateral military exercises. At the same time, Manila also affirmed that it will continue to pursue closer defense relations with China.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana tests a CQ-A5b rifle donated by the Chinese government at a ceremony in Manila on October 5. Photo: AFP

The news comes shortly after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called for warming relations with Washington.

Last week, Duterte pledged to “get along” with the US, signaling an end to a wave of criticism that included vowing to halt all joint military exercises and insulting then-US President Barack Obama.

On October 5, the head of the Philippine military, General Eduardo Ano, after returning from Hawaii, where he met with Admiral Harry Harris - Commander of the US Pacific Command, affirmed that the allies have agreed to increase joint military exercises for 2018 after the number was reduced this year.

“President Duterte said, ‘I want to be friendlier with the United States,’ so we have a closer relationship and more exercises,” Ano told reporters in Manila.

“Mr. Duterte affirmed that he will continue to engage with the United States. They are still our number one ally,” he added.

Ano said next year's joint exercises will focus on counter-terrorism, disaster response and even territorial defense.

In recent times, along with efforts to loosen the alliance with the US, Duterte has also sought to build warmer relations between the Philippines and China and Russia.

During a visit to Beijing last year, the leader announced his country's "separation" from the United States.

He later explained that he was angry with Obama for criticizing his war on drugs - a campaign that has seen thousands of deaths and prompted human rights groups to warn that Mr Duterte may be committing crimes against humanity.

Duterte last week said the controversy was “water under the bridge” as he thanked the United States for helping the Philippines fight Islamic militants who have occupied parts of the southern city of Marawi since May 23.

The US has provided intelligence, weapons and training to local forces trying to retake Marawi.

The fighting has claimed more than 900 lives and raised concerns that the Islamic State (IS) group is seeking to establish a Southeast Asian base in the Philippines.

In another development, speaking at a ceremony in which China handed over more than 3,000 assault rifles and ammunition worth up to $3.2 million to the Philippines on October 5, Mr. Ano affirmed that the Philippines will continue to pursue closer defense relations with China.

“America is not our enemy. China is not our enemy. Our top priority is the national interest,” Ano said.

Phu Binh

(According to AFP)