Duterte tells Obama he backs US China Sea stance for now: GMA

MANILA (May 18): Incoming Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama he supports his country’s alliance with the US, while warning he may break ranks with Washington and enter bilateral talks with China to resolve a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, GMA News Online reported.

Duterte told Obama in a phone call that “we are allied with the Western World on China Sea,” but that he might opt to engage in bilateral talks “if there is no wind to move the sail,” GMA reported.

During the campaign Duterte raised doubts about his own commitment to the US alliance, which was strengthened under outgoing President Benigno Aquino, who also sought international arbitration over China’s construction of outposts in the South China Sea in areas claimed by the Philippines. That process is backed by the US, and the arbitration panel is due to rule in the coming months. Obama urged Duterte not to engage China before that decision, GMA reported.

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