Criticism of drug war contributed to foreign policy shift, Duterte says

MANILA, Philippines -- Criticism from the West contributed to the shift in the Philippines' foreign policy, President Rodrigo Duterte said.

"I said a few days ago, a few months ago, that I will charter a new course, changing direction of the foreign policy," Duterte said during a press conference during his four-day visit to China.

"Unfortunately, this started with the war against drugs," he said.

"What prompted me to change foreign policy is that almost getting a raw deal with the West and the EU (European Union) signed a manifesto and they told me it was prepared by the lawyers and I share that the lawyers warned me that I can be prosecuted," Duterte said.

He added that news networks were only interested in highlighting his statement "if you destroy my country, I will kill you," which, he said, the EU and the US kept focusing on.

The phrase, as well as his statement that he is willing to risk his "life, honor and presidency" for the drug war, is often repeated in his speeches in military and police camps across the country.

"There's the word 'if.' It's conditional," Duterte said, stating that if the country will not be destroyed, then he will not kill the criminals.

He added that it is not a crime for any president to warn criminals 'not to do it.'

"What kept us from China was not our own making. We were almost a vassal state of America," Duterte said.

"Why should I not veer to China? China is good, it has not invaded a piece of my country all this generations," Duterte added. 

The Philippines is a former US colony. 

On the South China Sea issue

President Duterte said that there will be a time to talk about the South China Sea issue, but said that he will wait for Chinese President Xi Jinping to bring it up.

"I have to be courteous, and I have to wait for your president to mention it in passing for me to respond," Duterte said.

Duterte disclosed that there had been preliminary talks between the Foreign secretaries of both countries even before he flew to Beijing.

"We sorted out an agenda that is broad enough to accommodate all," he said.

Duterte also added that the sea dispute can take a back seat and that there will be time to talk about it.

"There will be a time because you know, there are also countries around with all the same issue," Duterte said.

On trade and cooperation

Duterte said that though he hates to admit it, there are so many things the Philippines needs.

"We will be asking for the help of China. I do not know if they will -- your government will give it to us," Duterte said.

He said that he is in China for a state visit and to pay respect to the people of China and the Chinese government, but if he will be asked, he will "rattle off things [the country needs]."

"We would appreciate if we are given loans, soft loans. We would rather borrow and pay it on a very liberal schedule," Duterte said.