WorldVIENTIANE, AFP -US President Barack Obama cancelled a meeting with foul-mouthed Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday at a regional summit after being branded a “son of a whore”. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum,” Duterte told reporters when asked about his message for Obama. But following the Obama backlash on Tuesday, Duterte offered a rare moment of contrition, albeit qualified. - Crucial time - ================ The setback in US-Philippine relations comes at a crucial time in the region, with China seeking to cement control over the contested South China Sea. Obama's aides had previously said he wanted to discuss the South China Sea issue with Duterte in Laos.

Source: Sunday Times September 06, 2016 11:26 UTC