Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, seen here arriving in China, told a Beijing audience Wednesday his country would cut military and economic ties with the United States, and establish closer ties with China and Russia. Photo courtesy of Facebook

BEIJING, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, visiting China, announced his country would cut military and economic ties with the United States.

Speaking Wednesday, the combative Duterte said the United States, a longtime ally, has interfered with the Philippines' internal affairs and taken it for granted.


He told the Philippine-China Trade and Investment Forum in Beijing, "In this venue, I announce my separation from the United States, both in military, not social... and economic. So, it's about time to say goodbye, my friend. Your stay in my country was for your own benefit. Duterte added he would not visit the United States during his term as president, saying, "We will just be insulted there, so I'll try to figure out a new foreign policy."

He clarified that the Philippines would not sever ties with the United States but will implement a more independent foreign policy. Earlier in October he announced the suspension of joint military drills with the United States, part of a longstanding defense treaty between the two countries.

Duterte is on a four-day visit to China with a goal of strengthening economic ties. He said he seeks a realignment involving China and Russia, away from the United States, and intends to tell Russian President Vladimir Putin "that there are three of us against the world."