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Is it time to say 'goodbye' to the Philippines?

 
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rioux



Joined: 26 Apr 2012
Posts: 880

PostPosted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 11:41 pm    Post subject: Is it time to say 'goodbye' to the Philippines? Reply with quote

NEW YORK – America is a curious great power. It cowers before international lightweights, begging the least significant nations to let it defend them. Such as the Philippines.

President Rodrigo Duterte has gained notoriety for the official murder of thousands of drug users and dealers which has taken also the lives of innocent Filipinos. He then publicly insulted President Obama and the United States in China for criticizing his murderous policy.

United States credibility suffers when a nation long subsidized and defended by America shows such ostentatious disrespect. The Philippine president shouldn’t be treated like a co-equal and ally if he doesn’t behave like one.

Moreover, the Philippines needs America far more than America needs the Philippines. Manila spends less than 1 percent of its gross domestic product on its military and its best ships are U.S. cast-offs. It doesn’t help defend the United States from anyone.

Rather, Manila expects Washington’s protection even though the archipelago matters little for the United States. America retains the Pacific as a barrier and faces no serious threats to its homeland.

Of course, Washington sees domination of East Asia as an American birthright. Base access obviously helps the U.S. attempt to enforce its will. However, convenience does not translate into interests substantial enough to risk war.

The region matters far more to nearby China, which understandably does not want to be contained. It also costs Beijing far less to deter U.S. intervention than it does for America to project power: missiles and subs are less costly than aircraft carrier groups. With no one threatening free navigation, Washington must decide what kind of risk it is willing to take on behalf of what remain primarily other nations’ territorial interests.

Insisting on defending the Philippines irrespective of its actions is particularly dangerous. Manila relies on American support rather than its own military in confronting China and could drag the United States into a conflict easily.

Washington should drop the “mutual” defense treaty and joint patrols. Maintaining base access is good insurance but does not require a security guarantee, especially over contested territory, such as Scarborough Shoal. Moreover, such access is not worth paying any price: America lost no influence when Subic Bay and Clark Airfield closed decades ago.

President Duterte is not a reliable ally. The United States should not allow such an unpredictable regime to be a trigger for war.
http://themaharlikan.info/world/new-york-times-the-united-states-doesnt-need-the-philippines/
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plumpy nut



Joined: 12 Mar 2011
Posts: 1652

PostPosted: Sat Oct 22, 2016 2:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

We shouldn't be begging countries to help them that's for sure. Although I do have to say that the Philippines deserves a little bit more sympathy than other countries, with their hideous storm problems. However if they don't like us BFD, why should we care?
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rioux



Joined: 26 Apr 2012
Posts: 880

PostPosted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged foreign businesses in the Philippines worried about his deadly drug war to "pack up and leave", as he launched another anti-American tirade before flying to Japan to attract investments.

Duterte voiced outrage at comments made the previous day by the top US envoy to Asia that his fiery rhetoric and crime war, which has claimed about 3,700 lives in four months, were bad for business.

"These Americans are really crazy," Duterte said, as he held up a newspaper with headlines reporting criticism from US assistant secretary of state Daniel Russel.

"Russel says 'Duterte comments causing worries in business communities'. Then you pack up and leave. We will recover, I assure you."

Duterte then flew to Japan, one of the top US allies in Asia, for a three-day visit that is partly aimed at building on two-way trade of more than $18 billion dollars last year.

"With Japan as the Philippines' top trading partner, I shall seek the sustainment and further enhancement of our important economic ties," Duterte, 71, said in prepared remarks at Manila airport.

"I look forward to meeting business leaders in Japan. I will tell them clearly that the Philippines is open for business."

Upon arrival in Tokyo, he proceeded to a hotel for an event with members of the local Filipino community where he heaped more invective on Washington.

"I do not want to fight," he said. "But these stupid Americans, you know the Americans are really a bully... they are bullies, these pests."

In contrast, Duterte had nothing but praise for Tokyo.

"Japan has really been our biggest helper," he said, citing assistance in the form of an airport and road-building projects.

"The fact is they are really so very kind," he added.

But his harsh criticism of Washington -- which guarantees Japan's security -- is likely to be seen as embarrassing.

Duterte will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and have an audience with Emperor Akihito during the trip, which follows his headline-grabbing state visit to China last week.

- 'Lapdog' -

A self-proclaimed socialist with close links to communists, Duterte last week announced in Beijing the Philippines' "separation" from the US, throwing into doubt a 70-year alliance that is anchored on a mutual defence treaty.

He quickly walked back from his comments after returning from China, saying "separation" did not mean he would "sever" ties and that the US alliance would continue.

Still, the anti-American vitriol kept flowing.

Prior to departure for Tokyo, Duterte said he was not a "lapdog" of the US, and again voiced anger at American and European criticism of apparent extrajudicial killings on his watch.

"You are a son of a *beep*," he said referring to his critics.

"Do not make us dogs. Do not. As if I am a dog with a leash and then you throw bread far away that I cannot reach."

Duterte has previously branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a *beep*" and told him to "go to hell".

Russel, the US envoy, said after meeting Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay on Monday that many people around the world were becoming increasingly worried about Duterte's tirades.

Japan, which is wary of China's rising influence in the region, signalled it would be looking for clarification from Duterte about his foreign policy plans.

"It is important to have good communication and to listen directly to what Mr Duterte has in mind," Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters ahead of a meeting with the president when asked about his comments on ties with Washington.

Abe had worked to improve bilateral relations with Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino.

Japan provided patrol boats to support the Philippines in its territorial row with Beijing over rival claims to the South China Sea, as it sought backing in its own maritime dispute with China.

Aquino took Beijing to an international tribunal over its extensive claims in the South China Sea -- where it has built artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities -- and the Philippines won a resounding victory in July.

But Duterte has sought not to use the verdict to anger China, instead worked to improve ties and attract billions of dollars in Chinese loans and investments.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/philippines-duterte-visits-japan-china-tilt-014612909.html
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steki47



Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Posts: 1029
Location: BFE Inaka

PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 12:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

plumpy nut wrote:
However if they don't like us BFD, why should we care?


Agreed. Some Americans may view this as a decline of American power in Asia. Post-American World, etc. A sign of decline for Pax Americana and a rise in Pax Sinica.

Me? BFD.
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Dr X



Joined: 04 Jul 2016
Posts: 84
Location: Everywhere

PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Chinese and Russian are coming .......
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Dr X



Joined: 04 Jul 2016
Posts: 84
Location: Everywhere

PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 3:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Philippine president says he promised God not to curse anymore

He said that while flying home, he was looking at the sky while everyone was sound asleep and he heard a voice that said “’if you don’t stop epithets, I will bring this plane down now.”

“And I said, ‘Who is this?’ So, of course, ‘it’s God,’” he said.

“So, I promise God to ... not express slang, cuss words and everything. So you guys hear me right always because (a) promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people.”

Duterte’s vow was met with applause, but he cautioned: “Don’t clap too much or else this may get derailed.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rodrigo-duterte-foul-mouthed-philippine-president-says-he-promised-god-not-to-curse-anymore/
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Trina Marlow



Joined: 28 Apr 2014
Posts: 50

PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dr X wrote:
Philippine president says he promised God not to curse anymore

He said that while flying home, he was looking at the sky while everyone was sound asleep and he heard a voice that said “’if you don’t stop epithets, I will bring this plane down now.”

“And I said, ‘Who is this?’ So, of course, ‘it’s God,’” he said.

“So, I promise God to ... not express slang, cuss words and everything. So you guys hear me right always because (a) promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people.”

Duterte’s vow was met with applause, but he cautioned: “Don’t clap too much or else this may get derailed.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rodrigo-duterte-foul-mouthed-philippine-president-says-he-promised-god-not-to-curse-anymore/


Well, i don't think he stopped cursing! LOL
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danshengou



Joined: 17 Feb 2016
Posts: 434
Location: A bizarre overcrowded hole

PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 9:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dr X wrote:
Philippine president says he promised God not to curse anymore

He said that while flying home, he was looking at the sky while everyone was sound asleep and he heard a voice that said “’if you don’t stop epithets, I will bring this plane down now.”

“And I said, ‘Who is this?’ So, of course, ‘it’s God,’” he said.

“So, I promise God to ... not express slang, cuss words and everything. So you guys hear me right always because (a) promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people.”

Duterte’s vow was met with applause, but he cautioned: “Don’t clap too much or else this may get derailed.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rodrigo-duterte-foul-mouthed-philippine-president-says-he-promised-god-not-to-curse-anymore/


Bizarre
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plumpy nut



Joined: 12 Mar 2011
Posts: 1652

PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 12:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

danshengou wrote:
Dr X wrote:
Philippine president says he promised God not to curse anymore

He said that while flying home, he was looking at the sky while everyone was sound asleep and he heard a voice that said “’if you don’t stop epithets, I will bring this plane down now.”

“And I said, ‘Who is this?’ So, of course, ‘it’s God,’” he said.

“So, I promise God to ... not express slang, cuss words and everything. So you guys hear me right always because (a) promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people.”

Duterte’s vow was met with applause, but he cautioned: “Don’t clap too much or else this may get derailed.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rodrigo-duterte-foul-mouthed-philippine-president-says-he-promised-god-not-to-curse-anymore/


Bizarre


A mentally deranged thug. There's plenty of those types.
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theoriginalprankster



Joined: 19 Mar 2012
Posts: 895

PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 7:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
A mentally deranged thug


And China's foul mouthed lapdog.
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steki47



Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Posts: 1029
Location: BFE Inaka

PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 12:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

theoriginalprankster wrote:
Quote:
A mentally deranged thug


And China's foul mouthed lapdog.


Duterte appeared to pivoting away from the US and towards China in 2016. Then the US elected a certain man and Duterte has expressed positive sentiments towards the US (or at least that man).

Still wonder if the Philippines is a nation worth caring too much about.
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scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343

PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The USA relinquished its role as colonial masters of the Philippines some years ago. As an independent and self-governing state it is up to Manila to put its own house in order.
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