(VOVworld) – The Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte, has said that the Philippines will forge its military alliance with no country other than the US. He told Japanese reporters on Monday prior to his Tokyo visit that he only plans to have an "alliance of trade and commerce" with China.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo: Reuters)

During his China visit last week, Duterte announced separation from the US, in terms of the military and economics, and alignment with China. Duterte said he would pursue defense and economic cooperation agreements with Japan without reference to old agreements.