The State Department summoned Manila's envoy to Washington to clarify the remarks. But officials have been tight-lipped about the conversation, as the diplomatic spat comes at a sensitive time in relations with the Philippines, a key ally and former US colony. Under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, Washington and Manila sought to deepen their long-standing military alliance as a counterweight to China, as well as cooperation on combating terrorism. The two countries strengthened a defense pact to increase the US military presence in the Philippines and have held joint military exercises. Most recently, the US voiced its support for an international tribunal's ruling against China over ...
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