May 03, 2017

After Trump’s Phone Call to Philippines Leader, China’s President Calls Him

Featuring: Patrick M. Cronin

Source: The New York Times

Journalist: Javier C. Hernandez

President Xi Jinping of China spoke by phone on Wednesday with the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, in what Chinese news media described as a friendly call that came just a few days after President Trump’s amicable conversation with the authoritarian Filipino leader.

Mr. Xi’s outreach to Mr. Duterte appeared to be part of efforts by the Chinese to woo a longtime American ally and strengthen their sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.

Chinese news media said North Korea and other issues were discussed in the phone call. On Saturday, Mr. Trump, surprising his own staff, telephoned Mr. Duterte and invited him to visit the White House.

Read the full article at The New York Times.

Author

  • Patrick M. Cronin

    Former Senior Advisor and Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Security Program

    Patrick M. Cronin is a former Senior Advisor and Senior Director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Previously, he was the ...