The Philippines told the United States it would be ending a major security pact that has allowed American forces to train in the country for decades.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila on Tuesday said Washington “will carefully consider how best to move forward to advance our shared interests.”
“This is a serious step with significant implications for the U.S.-Philippines alliance,” the embassy said in a statement. “Our two countries enjoy a warm relationship, deeply rooted in history. We remain committed to the friendship between our two peoples.”
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to end the agreement after Washington refused to grant a visa to Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is behind Duterte’s violent crackdown on drugs. Duterte said in a speech late Monday that President Trump tried to save the agreement.
“America is very rude. They are so rude,” he said.
The agreement has allowed for joint exercises each year and provided the U.S. with a strategic foothold near the South China Sea.
