The US and other nations are shocked by the announcement of the Philippines’ President about a "divorce" from the US and friendship with Russia "against the world,” said the Assistant to the Secretary of State Daniel Russell during his visit to the Philippines, reports the BBC. According to Russell the announcement of the Philippines’ president creates an atmosphere of uncertainty over the intents of the Philippines.

Rodrigo Duterte, earlier responding to the criticism of measures against selling drugs, said it was a time to say goodbye to the US - traditional Philippines’ ally. The war against drugs declared by Duterte lead to thousands of extrajudicial killings. It raised concerns of the US, as Russell noted during his visit to Manila.