Independent foreign policy pushed

Vice President Sara Duterte has stressed the need for the Philippines to maintain an independent foreign policy and avoid getting involved in the growing United States-China rivalry in the South China Sea.

- By IVY TEJANO

In response to a question on Washington’s role in regional disputes via a Zoom with Russia Today, Vice President Duterte said the Philippines must avoid aligning itself too closely with either global power.

“Our Constitution clearly states that we should have an independent foreign policy. Our relationship with the US and our relationship with China should be two separate engagements,” Vice President Duterte said.