Philippine President Blasts Western ‘Hypocrisy’ in Meeting With Putin

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte said the US should not be trusted as an ally during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin November 19 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima.

Duterte lashed out at Western "hypocrisy" and "bullying" of smaller countries.

"Of late, I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy […] They seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is what's wrong with America and the others," Duterte said, according to a transcript of Saturday's meeting provided by his office.

He also criticized the US for forcing their allies to join the wars they wage. "They were waging war in so many places, in Vietnam, in Afghanistan and in Iraq […] They insist if you are allied with them that they follow you," he said.

Duterte said his country was not an exception and was forced to send troops to Iraq. "They forced my country to contribute military forces. And when one Filipino worker in the Middle East was captured by the groups there, they threatened to behead the Filipino unless we (get) out of (the) war against the Middle East at that time," he added.

He said then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pulled Filipino troops out, which drew criticism from the US and its allies. "From that time on, the Americans made it hard for us," Duterte said.

While the Philippine president slammed Western countries, he praised Putin. "I have been looking for this moment to meet you, Mr. President, not only because you represent a great country but (because of) your leadership too," he said.

As Putin noted, the Philippines and Russia are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.