The Philippines appears to be softening its tone toward the U.S. before holding talks with Beijing on the South China Sea. President Rodrigo Duterte let the insults fly last year, telling former leader Barack Obama to “go to hell” for opposing his drugs war and announcing a “separation from the U.S.” during a trip to Beijing. Now Duterte’s government wants the U.S. to actively promote security and cooperation in the South China Sea, according to acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. He downplayed any friction between the longstanding military allies.

Duterte softens tone on United States before South China Sea talks. (2017, April 11). Business World, p. S1/5.