By Edith Regalado
DAVAO CITY , Philippines – President Duterte seems to be emerging as a go-between the world’s two most powerful leaders, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Duterte said he mentioned Trump in his telephone conversation with the Chinese leader.
“So I called President Xi Jinping, I said ‘I am calling you at the behest of the President of the United States, President Trump’,” Duterte told the gathering of the Philippine Orthopedic Association here yesterday.
Duterte said he is still waiting for Trump to call up again after he spoke with Xi on Wednesday.
“And we are all agreed in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and even President Trump that you can do something. Actually, the biggest contribution of all… is your intervention,” Duterte said, giving a hint of what he discussed with Xi the other day.
Trump called up Duterte last Saturday to discuss in particular the deteriorating situation in the Korean Peninsula.
“I am not at liberty to talk about it because I have to convey my message and President Trump has not called me yet,” he said.
Duterte revealed details of his high-level talks with Trump, which also prompted his conversation with Xi the other day.
It was apparent that Trump has called on Duterte to intercede in easing tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
Read the full story at PhilStar
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Story Quote: “Definitely, it indicates statesmanship, that he’s actually a key player in maintaining peace in the region,” Abella said.
“As the President of the United States said, the Philippines is key right now in the region,” he said."
PacificSentinel: It's simple, Xi want's the South China Sea & ASEAN in his pocket & knows that he can get it by placating Duterte, Trump on the other hand is trying to prevent China from getting the upper hand in the Philippines & at the same time using Duterte (ASEAN) to add more pressure to Xi.