(VOVworld) – Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he was not severing ties with his country's long-time ally the United States, but merely pursuing a more independent foreign policy by strengthening relations with China. President Duterte noted that it was in the Philippines's best interest to stay with the US.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at a news conference  in Davao city, Philippines on October 21, 2016. (Photo: REUTERS/Lean Daval Jr.)

On the same day, Minister of Trade Ramon Lopez confirmed that the Philippines will maintain its trade and economic ties with the US.

Minister Lopez clarified that President Duterte’s declaration of “separation” from Washington in a speech in Beijing during his official visit to China means said the President wants to mention his desire to strengthen relations with China and ASEAN instead of depending too much on one side.