President Rodrigo Duterte reiterates his stand on the country’s shift to adopt an independent foreign policy during his departure speech at NAIA Terminal 2 in Pasay City. Presidential Photo
Would it be China or Japan?
Days after he arrived from a state visit in China and hours before he embarked on a three-day official visit to Japan, Duterte was asked on Tuesday which of these two Asian nations will he love more.
“Between China and Japan, I think I love the Philippines more,” Duterte said in response to a question from a Japanese journalist during a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2.
“I hope Japan will understand my position on the independent foreign policy I would like to implement,” he added.
The President has repeatedly said in his public speeches that he wanted to chart an independent foreign policy for the Philippines, threatening to cut ties with the country’s longtime ally, the US.