Trump to Duterte: "Come visit White House." Duterte to Trump: "Too busy."
By scheng1
@scheng1 (24650)
Singapore
May 3, 2017 9:59pm CST
For reason that nobody knows why, Trump seems to go all out to win the heart of Philippines President Duterte.
Trump invited Duterte for an official visit, and Duterte said that he might be too busy.
However, he was not so busy as to foster goodwill with China.
He had time to tour Chinese missile destroyer, and sang praises of it.
Personally I think it will be a disaster for both Trump and Duterte to meet up. Duterte's drug war had claimed more than 10,000 lives, many were killed by the police or with the tacit approval of the police.
Trump had been supportive of Duterte all the while, saying that he has done a great job.
While I agree that the intention is good, the action is just too horrible. Killing drug addicts do not solve the problem. Killing drug lords and dealers will solve the problem.
Duterte is definitely wiser to turn down the invitation at this time. If he goes to US, protests will surely break out all over US.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/02/1695726/duterte-may-be-too-busy-visit-trump-white-house
Despite thousands of deaths in controversial war on drugs, US president praised his counterpart in Manila, a spokesman says
8 people like this
7 responses
@shivamani10 (11038)
• Hyderabad, India
4 May 17
Why should the Philippines have all the praise for China's missiles? They should learn the lesson when China openly rejected the International Court order on South China sea. Still, they have appreciation from the Philippines means there is something fishy. The U.S has got its own interest in the South China Sea and is observing the developments taking place in the matter.
2 people like this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
4 May 17
It all boils down to money.
Many people in Philippines are against the way that Duterte turns to China, calling him a traitor and a China's dog.
However, they cannot dispute the fact that being friendly with China brings billions and billions of investment and many jobs for the locals.
In the end, money wins.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
8 May 17
@Letranknight2015 yes, that is true.
If the country has no corruption, then the money will be used to build up a strong military.
The Muslim rebels will not have a chance to cause trouble too.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
20 May 17
It seems to me like Duterte is like another version of Trump. Donald may not have had anyone killed but if he could get away with it he surely would. He has great admiration for the worst, most ruthless dictators of the world and treats the good ones, our strongest allies, like dirt.
1 person likes this
@youless (112177)
• Guangzhou, China
5 May 17
In fact I don't really understand why Duterte seems to be unfriendly to USA. On the contrary, he is friendly to Chinese leader. It is very different than the ex Philippines President. I think due to it, the relationship between Philippines and China becomes better. More and more Chinese travel to Philippines.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
4 May 17
I have not watched the news in days and days. I say let them handle the office stuff, that is why they were elected.
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@slayer08 (2377)
• Philippines
4 May 17
In a sense, Philippines is trying its best to stay in good economic relationship with China without giving the impression to the rest of the world that we are allies with US even if we are. It might be because Philippines don't want to be caught in between China's and US's dispute because of North Korea. We are after all, in southeast asia and we are much closer to the 2 countries who are plotting (if any or if true) against US. So far, based on what's currently going on, US has the advantage if they have the full support of the Philippines because they cannot rely on Japan right now as Japan is under UN's bidding to only give non-military support to US while Philippines is not under any of those conditions whatsoever that's why US is trying its best to smooth out their military relatio ship with the Philippines.
Anyway, if the war will really break out because of the conflict between US and North Korea, it would be a terrifying event for everyone. Our president is playing it safe for now because he knows that even if he praises China's weaponry and military power China will not be our military ally because China knows that they will have to face US if China will try to make us an ally in the process. Our president is merely protecting our interest instead of being in a position where a lot of lives will be lost IF a war will really break out. It is complicated but I hope that my theory is correct.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
4 May 17
In term of economic benefits, it sure makes sense to get closer to China.
China is so much nearer for trade to flourish, and for all Philippines factories to gain from the trade.
China is also very generous with the economic investments so far, though it will not want to give back the disputed area to Philippines.
it is a give and take situation.
Provide jobs for millions and millions of people probably is better than getting into a territorial dispute with China.
With the military might of Philippines, it is definitely not a match for China.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
4 May 17
@slayer08 It sure is a tough decision.
US has no desire to start a war with China, and as long as China just occupies the island without killing anyone, there is no justification for US to bomb China out of it.
As it is, the huge investment from China provides jobs for millions.
Getting back the island will not achieve the same effect except making China angry, and possibly results in many jobs loss.
1 person likes this
@slayer08 (2377)
• Philippines
4 May 17
@scheng1 Philippines won't amount to the military force of China but we do have the back up from US if anything happens. However, if that event ever comes to fruition, we are still at a loss becuase we are near China and its many allies. So it is indeed better to play safe for now. As for the spratlys island, China wanted that for itself to show that China is the leader of Asia and wants the world to know that it can do whatever it wants. They have afterall have a goal for Asia, to be an economic power without the aid of US.
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