A senior US diplomat said on Monday that Washington supported Manila’s blossoming ties with Beijing, but he assured the Southeast Asian nation that Washington remained its trusted ally.

Daniel Russel, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Daniel Russel, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said after meeting with Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay in Manila that Washington welcomes improved relations between the Philippines and China, although it should not come at the expense of the United States.

“We don’t want countries to have to choose between the US and China,” he said.

Russel’s two-day visit came after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte concluded his first state visit to China, during which he announced his country’s “separation” from the US and growing ties with China. But Duterte clarified that he only meant a more independent foreign policy and not “severance of ties” with the Philippines’ closest friend.

Su Hao, a professor of Asia-Pacific studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said Russel’s comments showed the typical logic of the US that the interests of regional countries should conform to those of Washington.

“This is what Duterte’s predecessor had done, but Duterte has realized that this does not help the Philippines and decided to make an adjustment,” he said.

Xu Liping, a senior Southeast Asian studies researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Washington understands Manila’s willingness to conduct practical cooperation with Beijing.

“However, alliance is the core interest of the US; it will never give it up,” he added.

Duterte was expected to begin a visit to Japan on Tuesday. During the visit, Tokyo might ask Manila to resume close relations with Washington, perhaps using economic aid as a condition, Su said.

Reuters and AP contributed to this story.

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