"Words matter, and we want to see an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a regular news briefing in Washington. "We have a lot of ties between the United States and the Philippines. And I think it's very important that we have a relationship, but there has to be a certain level of respect that is expected on both sides," Clinton said. The White House then said Obama might speak with Duterte informally. An official of the U.S. State Department said "government to government" relations with Manila remained strong.

Source: Thanhnien News September 06, 2016 21:56 UTC