[Source/Observer Network, Liu Chenghui] According to a Bloomberg report on June 23, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte delivered a speech at a rally in Melbourne, Australia on the same day. She criticized President Marcos for leaning towards the United States in foreign policy while expressing that the Philippines should establish a friendlier relationship with China.

In her speech, Sara particularly criticized President Marcos's decision to allow the deployment of missile systems by the United States in the Philippines.

"There is no reason for you to lean towards the U.S.," she said to Marcos. She stated that although the South China Sea issue has caused tension between the Philippines and China, it does not represent the entirety of their relationship.

"You must always remain neutral because you are not part of a larger conflict," Sara said. "You are friends with the U.S., yes; you are also friends with China, correct. What's wrong with that?"

The report noted that her remarks echoed her father, former Philippine President Duterte's policy of leaning towards China, marking the sharpest criticism yet from Sara regarding Marcos's pro-American foreign policy.

As of now, the office of President Marcos has not responded to Sara's comments.

Sara Duterte delivers a speech at a rally in Melbourne. Video still.

According to the Manila Daily Inquirer, Sara also urged supporters in Australia to convey to the Australian government the issue of her father Duterte's arrest during her speech.

"You need to persuade the Australian government, as Australia is a member of the ICC, to have them investigate the case of President Duterte and the unfair treatment he has received, as he has consistently been treated unfairly by the ICC," she said.

"Imagine being detained without the option of bail, only temporary release subject to court approval. This is why I tell you to talk to the Australian government," Sara said.

In the 2022 Philippine presidential election, Marcos and Sara formed an alliance and ultimately won, but their good relations did not last long. Afterward, Marcos's parliamentary allies continued to challenge Sara over confidential funds issues, and Marcos betrayed the Duterte family by involving himself in "drug war investigations." Given significant differences on important issues including China-related matters, this duo, as well as their respective large political families, have shifted from "partners to opponents."

Last November, Sara publicly threatened that she had hired an assassin, who would kill the current president Marcos and his wife if she herself was killed.

With Duterte's detention, the struggle between the two major Philippine political families has intensified.

Currently, Marcos's parliamentary allies are pushing for an impeachment case against Sara. She faces four impeachment charges, including "betrayal of public trust," "violation of the constitution," "corruption," and "plotting to assassinate the president," but Sara has denied all charges.

Under Marcos's leadership, the Philippines has strengthened its long-term defense relationship with the United States, expanded the U.S. military's access to Philippine military bases, and allowed the deployment of U.S. weapons systems. The Marcos administration has also taken a more hardline stance on the South China Sea issue, frequently provoking friction with China.

It is worth noting that during the event of the Philippine Chinese Business League on June 10, Marcos called on business figures from both countries to promote bilateral relations, which sparked speculation about his softening stance towards China.

However, analysts pointed out that considering Marcos's previous hardline policies in the South China Sea, this shift is unlikely to yield substantial results in the short term. If the Philippines fails to reduce its reliance on the U.S. and formulate an independent foreign policy, gestures of goodwill towards China may be merely symbolic, and China may not respond positively.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian once emphasized that the Philippines, by violating international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, frequently infringes at sea, creates incidents, conspires with extraregional forces to disrupt the South China Sea situation, boasts military power, and acts as a pawn, will ultimately reap what it sows.

This article is an exclusive contribution by Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7519025015845552679/

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