Philippines announces ‘Separation’ from US, Stands with China

Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte declared his “separation” from longstanding ally the United States in Beijing on Thursday, as he rebalances his country’s diplomacy towards China. Duterte is in China for a four-day trip seen as confirming his tilt away from Washington and towards Beijing’s sphere of influence — and its deep pockets.

“I announce my separation from the United States,” he said to applause at a meeting in the Chinese capital. “America does not control our lives. Enough bullshit,” he added in a rambling speech that flipped between languages. “How can you be the most powerful industrial country when you owe China and you are not paying it?” FULL REPORT