Duterte says he is neutral to both China, US

President Rodrigo Duterte said he is "neutral" to his ties with the United States and China, which he referred to as the Philippines' "friend."

Duterte made the remark during a pre-recorded meeting of the ruling party PDP-Laban aired Wednesday over state-run PTV. 

Duterte chairs PDP-Laban.

"That is what PDP-Laban stands for, it stands for our country that is really  free from intervention. Kaya ako nag neutral (That's why I became neutral) so I made friends with China but I never abandoned my relationship with America," Duterte said. 

He, meanwhile, said he considers China as a friend but not due to the nation's assistance to the Philippines.

It can be recalled that the Philippines' immunization program against COVID-19 began after it received donations of Sinovac vaccine doses from China. Majority of brands of the country's vaccine rollout were from the Sinovac firm.

"China, I made friends with China, if the aid is coming, if not, okay lang sa'kin (If the aid will not come it is okay.) because we do not make friends in anticipation of what they can give us. We just like to be friends. If your friend is kind to you, be thankful," he added.

The Chief Executive previously said he will continue to pursue a win-win bilateral relations with China.

Duterte previously slammed the United States, claiming that the Western country failed to assist the Philippine Coast Guard in defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. — RSJ, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/785540/duterte-philippines-owes-debt-of-gratitude-to-good-friend-china/story/