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US: Philippines' Duterte sparking distress around the world
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US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affair Daniel Russel (center) waves to reporters before meeting with officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs in suburban Pasay, south of Manila, Philippines on Oct. 24, 2016. (AP/Aaron Favila)
T
he top American diplomat in Asia says Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial remarks and a "real climate of uncertainty" about his government's intentions have sparked distress in the US and other countries.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel said Monday that he also relayed to Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. international concern over continuing killings under Duterte's crackdown against illegal drugs.
Russel said that while Washington welcomes the relaxation of tensions between Manila and Beijing under Duterte, the rapprochement should not come at the expense of the US, the Philippines' treaty ally.
Russel's visit to Manila comes amid increasing animosity between the allies as Duterte tries to scale back US military engagement with his country and reaches out to China.
