(Eagle News) — The United States top diplomat for Asia said that it was a mistake to think that improved relations between the Philippines and China would come at the expense of the US.
US State Department assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs Daniel Russel said the US also supported “direct dialogue” and negotiations between the Philippines and China as long as these are consistent with international law
“We support direct dialogue, negotiations between the Philippines and China, as long as they take place on terms that is acceptable to the Philippines. As long as they are consistent with international law. So it’s a mistake to think that improved relations between Manila and Beijing somehow come at the expense of the United States,” he said.
Russel with with Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., on Monday, October 24, in light of the recent disturbing statements by President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly while he was in China, on the desired “separation” of the Philippines from the United States.
Russel said the succession of controversial statements from the President was creating a lot of consternation that is affecting the business climate and other countries as well.
But he assured the Philippines that the US remains a “steady” and “trusted partner” as well as a strong ally of the Philippines.
“For our part, the United States remains steady, and I hope trusted partner, strong ally. We stand ready to honour our commitments. We stand by international law and we stand by the Philippines,” he said.
Russel said that the US also “strongly support” the fight against drugs of the Philippine government, but that they were also concerned with the deaths connected to this.
“Your friends are also concerned about the loss of life in connection with the counter-narcotics campaign. Now, we strongly support the effort against the scourge of drugs, and I explained the ways that the United States can and does assist the Philippines in protecting your communities against the danger from illegal drugs that flow into your country from overseas.”
For his part, Yasay said it was important for continued talks with the US, especially on the matter of clarifying misunderstandings.
He said this was needed so that the friendship between the US and the Philippines would continue to have strong relations.
“There is a continuing need for us to make sure that we get to talk to each other and try to resolve whatever differences and clarifications that will have to be made, and I have committed myself to that, because it is very important that we continue to also to talk to make sure that there will be no ‘mis’understanding on how our friendship and our strong relations would proceed.”
He did not directly refer to the President’s recent declarations during his state visit to China.
Russell told reporters that the succession of controversial statements coming from President Duterte was creating a climate of uncertainty about the Philippines’ intentions. This, he said, was already affecting business leaders, as well as other countries.
“The succession of controversial statements, comments and a real climate of uncertainty about the Philippines’ intentions has created consternation in a number of countries not only in mine, not only in governments, but also a growing concern in other communities and the expat Filipino community, in corporate boardrooms as well,” Russel said. “This is not a positive trend.”
Russel came to the DFA along with his US Defense Assistant Secretary Kelly Magsamen to talk with Philippine officials and clarify Duterte’s policy towards the US. (with a report from Reuters)
