PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte made an appeal to US President Donald Trump to avoid any movements that may escalate the tensions in the Korean Peninsula, which he said would directly affect Asia, where more than half the world’s population of more than six billion live.
“Just show restraint. America is the biggest stick and it will do well to just be prudent,” Duterte, aswering reporters’ questions, told a news conference at the bayside Philippine International Convention Center.
“We know we are playing with somebody who relishes missiles and everything. It is putting mother earth, the planet, at the edge. The first victim would be Asia, Southeast Asia, the whole of the Asean countries because if those are really nuclear warheads that means the end of the world.”
He added: “It behooves upon America because it is the more responsible country.. not to start something they cannot control. I am expecting a call from President Trump tonight. Who am I to say ‘please stop’?
“But maybe I will ask him, Mr. President, please make sure there is no war. We in Asia will be the first affected. You cannot say what will happen, whether China will stand idly or come to the rescue, and Britain, France, America and the rest will join the melee. I am as worried as you (are) really.”
A senior diplomat told Manila Standard that during the leaders’ retreat, all Asean leaders were “gravely concerned” over the latest missile test launch by North Korea on Friday, after Asean Foreign Ministers expressed opposition to North Korea’s actions.
Duterte said the better route for Asean countries was to “back away” amid North Korean threats.
Duterte added: “It’s too late for us to be joining the fray. We do not have nuclear war heads. It will be a grotesque thing to add to the firepower.
“President Trump must be pissed off with constant barrage over there. But I say ‘do not play into his hands.’ At the end of the day, whatever you say or do it will be a holocaust for all. It will be good for America to – if I were President Trump – (just) back away.”
