“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. The Philippines has been central in this effort due to an international court case it brought and won against Beijing. Asked about Duterte’s comments, US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter said the defence relationship with the Philippines was a “strong” and “longstanding” one.

Source: Dhaka Tribune September 06, 2016 21:56 UTC