Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte does not want the US military to establish a naval base in his country, and says he fears the site will be a target in a future nuclear war between the United States and China.
“Did you put a base right now? This will ensure that a war breaks out because there will be atomic arsenals, “Duterte told lawmakers Monday during a State of the State address.” This will ensure the extinction of the Philippine race. “
Those comments show Manila as an unwitting participant in the competition between the United States and China, even as the President Trump administration seeks to improve the United States’ ability to comply with the treaty’s obligation to protect the Philippines from Chinese threats. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo amplified U.S. support for the Philippines in territorial disputes with Beijing, but Duterte made a docile note in describing the controversy.
“China has the weapons. We do not. … So it’s simple like that, “she said.” They are in possession of the property. ”
Defense analysts in Washington think the Philippines could be an adequate base for US forces that could counter China’s growing military capabilities.
Pompeo renewed the United States’ promise to defend the Philippines from a Chinese attack during a visit to Manila last year. Duterte also asked the US Navy to send a fleet to the islands: “I will travel on the ship with [the] Admiral, ”he said, but it has been more common for Duterte to hit Washington while gaining favor with China.
“I have nothing against the United States,” he said during the speech. “I have nothing against China.”
