Duterte admits being on ‘tightrope,’ avoiding conflict with China

MANILA, Philippines — His dealings with the United States and China are a balancing act meant to keep the Philippines from getting embroiled in a conflict between two global powers, President Duterte said on Friday.

In remarks after inspecting newly delivered aircraft to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Duterte maintained that he would keep the country neutral amid simmering tensions between the US and China.

“I am walking on a tightrope, actually. I cannot afford to be brave in the mouth against China because, well, we are avoiding any confrontation – a confrontation that would lead to something which we can hardly afford, at least not at this time,” he said.

With regard to the Americans, the President said, “we asked so much of them because they have taken so much from us.”

He explained that the exigency of the moment requires US presence but emphasized such presence – through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) – should come at a price.

“Well, they have to pay. It’s a shared responsibility, but your share of responsibility does not come free. Because after all, when the war breaks out, we all pay,” he said.

“You, we are nearest to the garrison there where there are a lot of arsenals of the Chinese armed forces,” he said before flying back to Davao City from Clark, formerly a US Air Force base.

Duterte said the American government must keep its promises, especially with regards to agreements aimed at boosting the country’s defense capabilities.

At the same time, Duterte congratulated the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for successfully procuring additional air assets that will play an important role in safeguarding the country.

“Recently, I have approved the proposal to acquire more combat utility [helicopters for] the AFP. With our recent gains against various terror groups, I am confident that our efforts under the AFP Modernization Program are already paying off,” he said.

Duterte told the troops that he wants to add five or six more helicopters to the PAF’s fleet of air assets before he steps down. The PAF has 32 helicopters ready for procurement under its modernization program.

The President said he is pleased with the military’s efforts to eliminate terrorist groups in Northern Luzon.  This led to genuine peace and sustainable progress in the area and fostered greater camaraderie among government security forces operating in the region, he said.

Prior to his speech, Duterte also led the conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu, with the rank of Kamagi, on officers and enlisted personnel who fought Islamic militants in Sulu in November last year.

“Your gallantry, bravery and courage are truly exemplary,” he told the awardees. “I hope that your fellow soldiers will look up to you as their source of inspiration and strength, especially when it is their turn to face the battlefield.”

The first one of the two C-130H aircraft granted by the US government through the Security Cooperation Assistance, and several units of brand new Black Hawk choppers bought by the Philippines from Poland under a $241.5-million government-to-government contract, were on display Friday at the Clark hangar.

Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, Sen. Bong Go, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, PAF Commanding General Allen Paredes and Pampanga local officials also attended the event. – With Christina Mendez