In China, Rodrigo Duterte and Philippines May 'Pivot' Away From U.S.

The New York Times: BEIJING — President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, one of America’s closest allies in Asia, has said he wants to reduce American military influence in his country and build closer ties with China.

But he has stopped short of offering to do what China would like most: scrapping an accord that gives the United States access to five military bases in the Philippines.

How far he is willing to go will be tested this week when he arrives in China on Tuesday for talks that are likely to produce signals of whether he wants to become a close friend of Beijing.

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