Duterte assures Tokyo: No military alliance with China

TOKYO – Even with his declaration of cutting military and economic ties with the United States, there is no shift to a military alliance with China, President Duterte said yesterday.

Duterte also vowed to support Japan in peacefully resolving the disputes over the South China Sea.

“In all respects, as relationships are alienated in this world, we seek only peace and friendship but I give you my word today that we will not abandon Japan in our partnership and security matters, given the common belief that our conflicts and problems with other nations must be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law,” Duterte said, reading a prepared speech.

Following a favorable United Nations arbitration ruling for the Philippines, Duterte said the country “would be a partner and a player of maritime safety, maritime security anytime.

“And that we would like to avoid at all costs violence because we have to resolve it peacefully and in accordance with international law. That is my assurance,” Duterte told the delegation of Japanese business groups.

“That in all of these endeavors, we will be your partner and we will stand by our word,” he said.

Duterte gave the assurance in a speech at a luncheon hosted by Japanese Business Organizations, part of his tight schedule during the second day of his three-day official visit.

A Japanese think tank had earlier expressed serious concerns over Duterte’s leaning toward China, which came after his visit there last week.

Duterte, however, reiterated he would abrogate executive agreements in a bid to maintain closer ties with Beijing, whom he considers a friend.

“I went to China for a visit and I would like to assure you that what was (discussed there were all) economics. We did not talk about arms, we did not talk about stationing troops. We avoided talking about military alliances,” Duterte said, departing from his prepared speech.

“What happened really there was just a few platform where investments could come in. You know, historically, we only have a short window in our dealings with China. With my visit, we hope the window would come to a better light and bigger than usual so that we could trade freely,” he said in extemporaneous remarks before the same audience.

Duterte has declared an independent foreign policy even as he works for better relations with Japan, a close ally of the US.

He reiterated his gratitude to Japan for its continuing support for the country.

“I would like to thank Japan for this road it has paved in our country’s industrialization. We value your support to our country’s industries, development initiatives in varied industrial cooperation and action plan, specifically on the areas of strategic importance to our economic growth such as the automotive sector, manufacturing, small and medium entrepreneurs, industry services and human resource development,” Duterte said.

Duterte reiterated Manila remains committed to improving the business environment in the country.

“And for Japan, let me affi the policies that will allow investments, whether foreign or local, to help us grow in our country,” he said.

“We would be particularly supportive of industries that would give the jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people and provide… to penetrate our small and medium entrepreneurs into the global supply chain,” the President said.

Duterte stressed the “Philippines-Japan strategic partnership has worked very well because both countries have gained much and will continue to benefit from it.”

“You contribute to the growth of your industries and your economy as you have done with ours. Indeed, Japan is an old and reliable friend and this is the special friendship that we hope to keep and continue to honor,” he said.

Independent path

In the same forum, Duterte explained he wants to forgo foreign military presence in the Philippines – another obvious dig at the US.

“I have declared that I will pursue an independent foreign policy. I want, maybe in the next two years, my country freed of the presence of foreign military troops. I want them out and if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, I will,” he said.

“This will be the last maneuver, war games between the United States and the Philippines’ military,” he added. “Then, in the fullness of God’s time, I am President for six years, no more. I want to be a friend to China.”

Duterte also stated he does not need to boost the Philippines’ defense system, saying he does not intend to go to war but only build friendships with neighbors in the region.

“I do not need the arms. I do not want missiles established in my country. I do not need to have the Air Force to host the bombers with hydrogen bombs. Because if you really would want war for this planet and everybody is drawn into the vortex of violence – Iran, Pakistan, India, France, Britain, Russia, America, China,” he said.

“Have I mentioned India and Pakistan? There will be no more talk of a Third World War. Even before you finish the sentence, we would be all gone. So those things I do not need. I just want friendship with everybody. Go there but do not expect so much, expectations from maybe the policies of the West,” Duterte told the business delegations from Tokyo and Manila.

Duterte reiterated his decision to chart an independent foreign policy as mandated under the Constitution.

“I would like to make it clear to everybody that we do not pick quarrels with our friends and neighbors, but to me it is high time that the President stands up to its dignity as a people,” he said.

Duterte, who has been globally criticized over his ruthless campaign against illegal drugs, underscored the need to improve the peace and order situation in the country.

“As we try to put in place stronger foundation for sustained economic growth, we must ensure that peace and order prevail totally, and definitely, our country to rid the effects of drugs and corruption,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said the President has repeatedly declared he will respect all treaties and agreements signed by the Philippine government.

“We of course know that the treaty we entered into is the highest form of expressions of our relationships of carrying out that convergence of national interests,” Yasay said in press briefing after Duterte’s speech at the Nippon Media Centre.

He said it is in the “national interest” to continue to respect the agreements and treaties. “There is no reason this time to terminate our agreements.”

But Yasay affirmed the joint military exercises of the US and the Philippines will not continue.

Yasay echoed the President’s statements that the war games are not helping the Philippine military.

“The MDT and any support agreements to it do not require joint exercises. These joint exercises are decided upon by the Mutual Defense Board,” he explained.

Under the MDT, Yasay said the President could wait for the recommendations of the board on the issue of joint exercises.

“It does not mean that we are reneging… our commitment to the MDT. As I said, there is no agreement in the MDT for these joint exercises,” Yasay added.