Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday his country would not rely on long-term security ally the United States, signaling greater independence from Washington in dealing with China and the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). The Philippines has traditionally been one of Washington’s staunchest supporters in its standoff with Beijing over the South China Sea, a vital trade route where China has built artificial islands, airstrips, and other military facilities. Duterte, the tough-talking mayor of Davao City who swept to victory in the May 9 election, has backed multilateral talks to settle rows over the South China Sea that would include the United States, Japan, and Australia as well as claimant nations. Philippines’ president-elect Rodrigo Duterte AFP PHOTO / MANMAN DEJETO RESPECT EEZ He has also called on China, which claims most of the sea, to respect the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone granted to coastal states [...]
