US seeks explanation on Duterte 'separation' comments

The US has said it will seek clarity on the Philippine president's announcement of a "separation from the US".

Rodrigo Duterte made the comments in China on Thursday at an economic forum, saying the separation applied to military and economic co-operation, the BBC reported on Friday.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby said the remarks were "at odds" with the "close relationship" shared by the countries.

This is not the first mention of a separation from the US by Mr Duterte.

But on Monday, the Philippine Secretary of Trade and Ministry Ramon Lopez said that the Philippines would not be stopping trade and investments with the US.

Relations between China and the Philippines had deteriorated over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, after an international tribunal sided with Manila and rejected Beijing's claims.

On Thursday, the two countries said they would restart dialogue to resolve the dispute.

Source: MENA