The Philippine president wants to sever ties with the US.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced today his plan to sever economic and military ties with the United States, while shifting his focus toward China and Russia.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks today at the Philippines-China Investment and Trade Forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

"Here, I declare a complete break with the United States, both militarily and economically," Duterte said to applause at a forum of...Chinese and Filipino businesspeople gathered in Beijing. The event was attended by Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.

"I have just cut ties with them. So, I will be completely dependent on you all the time. But don't worry, we will help you just as you help us," the Philippine president said.

"I've just adjusted myself to your ideological line and maybe I'll go to Russia to talk to President Putin, tell him that the three of us are against the world – China, the Philippines and Russia. That's the only way," Duterte declared, suggesting that the US "has lost."

The Philippine president was particularly angered by U.S. criticism of his anti-drug campaign, which has resulted in more than 2,300 deaths.

Duterte's attempt to lean toward China, months after the international arbitration court in The Hague, Netherlands, issued a ruling in favor of the Philippines, marks a reversal in foreign policy since the 71-year-old former mayor took office on June 30.

According to VNE