Obama’s Administration Response To Duterte: There Are Few Good Options Left
The United States has a few good options left for the Philippine president as their response to his distasteful comments towards US and warm embrace to China.
On Thursday (October 20, 2016), President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he wants to end the ties between Philippines and its long-time ally US and turns to America’s two main rivals such as China and Russia.
Earlier, Duterte released a series of tirades against US President Barack Obama for criticizing his war on drugs amid the Extra Judicial Killing (EJK) happening in the country. Also, Duterte dares the United States and the European Union to withdraw their financial assistance in the Philippines.
The previous administration allowed US to rotate ships, aircraft, and personnel in five Philippines bases that project US military power on China’s doorstep. Under Duterte’s administration, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is potentially at stake.
See next page for continuation