By Alexis Romero
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to seek closer ties with China and Russia following the release of a poll showing that majority of Filipinos distrust the two countries.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said renewed ties with China and Russia would “provide a healthy opportunity to appreciate and understand these two countries.”
“As the president charts an independent foreign policy, the public needs a deeper understanding of the need for expanding our diplomatic horizons,” Abella said in a statement.
“Our enhanced relations with China and Russia will bolster our international relations and give us more room to grow, expand, and become more rooted as we get to know ourselves better as a nation in a community of nations,” he added.
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