'Trump of the East' respects defense treaty with 'friend' America

(Baonghean.vn) - On November 11, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared that he would respect defense treaties with his "friend" and "ally" the United States, but still wanted foreign troops to leave his country before his term ended.

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a meeting with businessmen in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines on October 13. Photo: Reuters.

Instead of attacking the US, this time Mr. Duterte used a more conciliatory tone than usual, although he hinted at revoking the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that allows US troops to rotate through Philippine bases.

Mr. Duterte has long been vehemently opposed to relying on the former colonial power and has called for a halt to dozens of joint military exercises.

He said the Filipinos do not need the exercises and that by the end of his six-year term, he does not want any foreign troops in his country.

“We don’t need any foreigners to train the Philippine military. They are warriors themselves,” he said.

He also announced that he would turn to other countries for defense services such as China, Israel, Japan and Russia, because American “utilities” were too expensive.

Mr. Duterte, who is often referred to as the “Trump of the East” due to his harsh and outrageous rhetoric, was asked if he thought the comparison with Donald Trump was accurate: “No, I don’t think so, what we have in common is probably the passion to serve the country.”

The White House's change will not affect the Philippine president's decision to build closer alliances with other countries such as China and Southeast Asia.

“I will pursue what I have started, I do not have the habit of leaving things unfinished,” he affirmed.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)