Philippines and US boost ties as tensions grow in South China Sea

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte greeting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin during a courtesy call at Malacanang Palace in Manila on Ju;y 29, 2021. - Malacanang Palace/AFP

MANILA (Bloomberg): Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin agreed there’s room to strengthen relations as the Pentagon chief vowed a deeper role in Asia amid lingering tension in the South China Sea.

Duterte received Austin in a courtesy call at the presidential palace in Manila on Thursday (July 29) night, where they had an "open and frank” discussion on the status and future direction of Philippines-US engagement, according to a statement from Duterte’s office released Friday.