Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said his recent visit to China was about economics and not security, as he sought to reassure Japan on an official visit to the country.<br /><br /> He also announced that Manila would “work closely with Tokyo on matters of regional concern”, such as the South China Sea dispute. <br /><br /> Last week in China, Duterte announced a ‘separation’ from the US, however, he insisted relations were not being broken but simply that he was seeking to pursue an independent foreign policy.<br /><br /> Duterte’s statements create a headache for Japan which has strengthened ties with Washington, while also building up relations in Southeast Asia to counter China’s rising status.<br />
