PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, during his state visit in Japan, assured that Philippines is not forging military alliance with China even on the heels of his tirade on cutting military and economic ties with the United States (US).
"I went to China for a visit and I would like to assure you that all there was is economics. We did not talk about arms, we did not talk about stationing of troops, we avoided talking about alliances, military or otherwise," Duterte, in a video uploaded on Presidential Communications Office Facebook Page, told several businessmen in Tokyo during his visit.
Duterte also assured that his primary agenda for going to China last week was only to improve the economic relationship of both countries, which has been known as one of the country’s trading ally for century.
"What happened really, there was just a few platforms wherein investments could come in. You know, historically, we only have this short window in our dealings with China. With my visit, we hope that the window will come in a better light and bigger than usual so we can trade freely," the President said.
In his continued quest of independent policy, Duterte said that he is not “picking quarrels” with neighbor countries but merely seeking for peace and friendship.
Duterte also said that it’s high time that a President will stand to lift the dignity of Filipinos, which has been stolen for decades.
Duterte reiterated his intention to scrap the decade-long military alliance with US or known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).
“I have declared that I will pursue an independent foreign policy. I want, maybe in the next two years, my country freed of the presence of foreign military troops. I want them out and if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, I will,” Duterte said.
Duterte also expressed his adherence to the international law, as China and Japan have a longstanding dispute in the East China Sea similar with Philippine’s maritime claims in the South China Sea.
“In all respects, as relationships are alienated in this world, we seek only peace and friendship but I give you my word today that we will not abandon Japan in our partnership and security matters,” Duterte said.
Duterte extended his gratitude to Japan for its constant support towards achieving the country’s growth in industries and economy.
Meanwhile, Japan has earlier donated 10 coast guard vessels to the Philippines.