No more joint drills with US, says Duterte

Philippine president defiant, but foreign secretary confirms that decision not final

HANOI, VIETNAM // Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said joint military exercises between Filipino and American troops next week would be the last, although his foreign secretary quickly said the decision was not final. Mr Duterte made the comments while addressing Filipino community members in Hanoi on Wednesday night.

He said that the Philippines would maintain its military alliance with the United States because they share a 65- year- old mutual defence treaty.

During a two-day visit to Vietnam, Mr Duterte said he wanted to establish new trade and commercial alliances with China and Russia, and that Beijing does not want the war games.

“I would serve notice to you now that this will be the last military exercise,” he said.

US state department spokesman John Kirby said they had not received official communication from the Philippine government on the matter.

The two militaries have routinely held joint exercises aimed at improving cooperation between the forces.

Cancellation would end the annual 10- day Balikatan, or shoulder to shoulder exercise, which this year drew more than 8,000 troops.

But Philippine secretary of foreign affairs Perfecto Yasay Jr contradicted Mr Duterte, saying joint military drills approved by the previous administration would continue until 2018, when they can evaluate whether there is a need for them to go on.

“He was just simply saying for now, taking into account the political reality, he does not want the joint military exercises to continue,” Mr Yasay said.

Mr Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US.

Human rights advocates and Philippine allies, including the US, have deplored the killings of 3,000 suspected drug pushers and users under Mr Duterte’s war on drugs.

A defiant Mr Duterte cursed president Barack Obama, and said he would not allow joint patrols of disputed waters near the South China Sea with foreign powers.

Mr Duterte also said he was considering acquiring military equipment from Russia and China.

Mr Yasay said the Philippines was pursuing an independent foreign policy that served its national interests.

This would involve strengthening relations with China while not alienating traditional friendships with the US and other allies, he said.