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.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
