Duterte says open to joint patrols with Japan in South China Sea, as meeting with emperor is cancelled
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday his country could join naval exercises with Japan in Philippine “territorial waters” in the South China Sea, but repeated there would be no more war games with long-time ally the United States and again gave vent to his anger against Washington.
Duterte also said he had explained to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in talks on Wednesday just why he resented the United States, reiterating that Washington treated the Philippines like “dogs on a leash” and lectured about human rights in connection with his domestic campaign against drugs.
Watch: Philippine’s Duterte in high-profile visit to Japan
The Philippine leader’s visit to Japan coincides with jitters about his foreign policy after weeks of verbal attacks on the United States, including threats to end military agreements, and overtures towards China.
I do not think China would stop us. Japan would just be going there and making a cruise. As a matter of fact, I also told them, they can also go near my territorial waters, and park there if you want
“Joint exercise with Japan in general terms is not a problem. Stationing of Japanese troops was not discussed and with the Americans, it’s problematic,” Duterte told reporters one day after saying he wanted foreign troops out of his country “maybe in the next two years”.
“I don’t want to embarrass my defence secretary but the exercises with the Americans will be the last,” he said.