Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte confirms he will attend Beijing’s belt and road summit
- Chinese ambassador had told Duterte his attendance at the event in April would boost ties between the two countries
- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Manila next week
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed he will attend China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” summit to be held in April, in another sign of closer ties between Beijing and Manila that may trigger unease in Washington.
Meanwhile, in what is seen as the United States showing its commitment to the Southeast Asian nation, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to the Philippines next week.
Pompeo will meet Duterte in Manila on Thursday and Friday, a US State Department spokesman said on Saturday.
The top US diplomat will make the visit on his way back from Hanoi, where he will join President Donald Trump for his closely watched second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The US announcement came after Manila said Duterte would go to China for the second belt and road summit. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has also said he would attend the event.