Palace: South China Sea not on Duterte’s agenda in Japan visit

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Amid global confusion over President Rodrigo Duterte’s announced “separation” from the United States and strengthening of ties with Beijing, Malacañang on Monday said the South China Sea dispute would take a backseat during the Chief Executive’s visit to Japan this week that is meant to boost a 60-year-old relationship.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the maritime dispute over the resource-rich South China Sea was not part of the initial agenda of the three-day visit, which he said would focus on matters of economic and defense cooperation.

READ: Japan seeks to clear up Duterte’s foreign policy

“The main agenda will not be political but economic so if it’s (South China Sea issue) referred to, it will be on the sidelines. Basically as far as we know at this stage, it is talking between the Philippines and Japan. And if there’s anything at all, it may be exploratory. But at this stage it’s not part of the agenda,” Abella said.

“President Duterte will be discussing security, economic and defense issues with the Prime Minister during the three-day trip that is seen to continue the Philippines’ efforts to bolster strategic partnerships with its Asian neighbors. [The] President also plans to observe the Japanese shipbuilding process as maritime cooperation continues to prosper,” he added.

Atsushi Ueno, deputy chief of mission of the Japanese Embassy, said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would like to hear Duterte’s explanation of the Philippines’ realigned foreign policy, following the President’s declaration of “separation” from the US during his state to visit to China.

READ: Japan in quandary over Duterte’s remarks

Japan’s leading paper The Yomiuri Shimbun said Tokyo’s confusion was fueled by concerns that “it may have to review its joint strategy with the United States of backing the Philippines in a South China Sea territorial dispute.”

Japan, a known US ally, is the Philippines top trading and investment partner and leading source of development aid.

Despite the confusion over Duterte’s policy, Abella said the Philippine government was anticipating a warm reception for Duterte from the Japanese, similar to the “electric” welcome the President received in his state visit to China.

“I think at this stage there’s a great appreciation of the President from the Japanese side… Apparently there’s also a great anticipation of his visit,” Abella said.

Duterte later clarified that his declaration of “separation” from the US was not equivalent to severance of diplomatic ties and that the Philippines will maintain its relationship with Washington “to the best interest of the country.” RAM/rga