Duterte open to joint Sino-Philippine drills
By Bai Yunyi in Davao and Bai Tiantian in Beijing Source:Global Times Published: 2017/5/1 23:48:39
invited Duterte to Washington to "discuss the importance of the US-Philippines alliance."
"Right now, both China and the US are extending olive branches to the Philippines. Duterte has played it well by treading a balance between the two powers to maximize Manila's interests. He managed to procure actual benefits from China while maintaining ties with the US," Zhuang said. He cited Duterte's handling of the ties as a good example to other Asian nations.
Media reports in January said China had agreed to cooperate with the Philippines on 30 projects worth $3.7 billion on poverty reduction.
Duterte is also expected to attend a summit in Beijing in mid-May on the One Belt and One Road initiative to increase trade and improve infrastructure ties between China, Asia and beyond.
Filipinos interviewed by the Global Times said the territorial disputes in the South China Sea would not lead to a very serious problem.
Celso, a shop employee in Manila, told the Global Times that he felt that "the problems are being dealt with."
"We have a long history of friendship with China. Many Chinese traveled to the Philippines decades ago and established their businesses, creating jobs for the locals," Celso said.
James Walkers, a Manila taxi driver, said the Philippines had a strong cultural bond with the US.
"But President Duterte thinks the US is too far away, and why should we seek help from a faraway country instead of a close neighbor like China? Despite territorial disputes, no one wants to fight a war. Sharing can make us and our neighbors prosper," he told the Global Times.
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