Like those from a battering ram, the hits just keep coming from the recently elected president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte. Last week, Duterte said this would be the final round of joint exercises with the U.S. military. Obama administration officials have chosen to largely ignore Duterte’s insults and ultimatums, and say they have not scaled back any military or aid programs in the Philippines. of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional grouping that promotes economic, political and security cooperation. The Pentagon keeps 300 to 500 troops in the Philippines to support training, joint exercises and other activities.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 06, 2016 10:01 UTC