Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he is working towards open trade alliances with China and Russia. Philippines may also offer long-term land leases to these countries.

The President added that he is "crossing the Rubicon" with the US and that the country is ready to forge relationships with "the other side of the ideological barriers."

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The Southeast Asian country's 16th top leader explained that he is not severing ties with the US, while pointing out that the Philippines is willing to have open relationships with China and Russia in all areas of commerce and trade. However, these associations will not include military alliances.

Duterte said he will soon be visiting China to have a dialogue with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. He then plans to visit Russia and Japan as well. He further stated that Chinese and Russian companies may now lease land in the country for up to 120 years' duration.

Duterte assumed power in June this year. Since then, the country's relationship with the US, its long-term ally, has reportedly been on the downhill.

The US has vocally criticized Philippines' crackdown on narcotics, which has seen more than 3,000 deaths.

US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said there has been no official communication in this regard, as he stressed that the US believes that the two countries can remain close friends.

It can be noted that the Philippines and US signed a mutual defense treaty in 1951. The US has also maintained large military bases in the Southeast Asian country. However, Duterte has asked the US to withdraw its military advisors. He also said that the country will not conduct any more joint patrols with the US Navy.

TagsPhilippines, Russia, china, Rodrigo Duterte