US should not treat us 'like a dog on a leash' Philippines President in fresh attack [View all]

Source: Express

PUBLISHED: 10:41, Tue, Oct 25, 2016 | UPDATED: 11:06, Tue, Oct 25, 2016


PHILIPPINES President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out anew at the United States today and said it could forget a bilateral defence deal if he stayed in power long enough, in the latest jarring statement from Manila about the future of the alliance.

US should not treat us 'like a dog on a leash' Philippines President in fresh attack





The fresh broadside from President Duterte came as he was about to board a plane for an official visit to fellow U.S. ally Japan, a big investor in the Philippines that is becoming nervous about its apparent pivot towards rival power China.

The volatile, crime-busting President Duterte had on the eve of the visit softened his remarks last week about a "separation" from Washington, telling Japanese media he wasn't planning to change alliances and was only seeking to build trade and commerce with China.

But he pulled no punches today when he said he hated having foreign troops in the Philippines and told the United States not to treat his country "like a dog with a leash".

Commenting on a visit to Manila yesterday by Daniel Russel, an Assistant Secretary of State, President Duterte said Washington should forget about an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines if he were to stay in charge longer.



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/724899/Phillipines-President-Rodrigo-Duterte-USA-dog-leash-comment