Phillippines president threatens 'break' with U.S., turn to Russia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 October 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Phillippines president threatens 'break' with U.S., turn to Russia, 5 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a07ba.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 05, 2016
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) has refused to sell some weapons to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, prompting a threat to turn to Russia.
Blunt-spoken Phillippines President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to "break up" the country's longstanding alliance with the United States and buy arms from Russia and China instead.
In his latest caustic statement against U.S. President Barack Obama, who Duterte said has refused to sell the Phillippines some weapons, he told the American leader to "go to hell," and added: "Eventually I might, in my time, I will break up with America."
"I would rather go to Russia and to China," Duterte said. "I sent the generals to Russia and Russia said 'do not worry, we have everything you need, we'll give it to you'. And as for China, they said 'just come over and sign and everything will be delivered'."
The White House downplayed Duterte's threat, saying Manila has requested no changes in its decades-long relationship with Washington.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
