Japan wary over Philippine leader's policy, manners
Japanese officials are wary ahead of the arrival of outspoken Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Their concern is not only about his foreign policy toward the US, but also about his informal style. They are paranoid about him chewing gum in front of the emperor.
Duterte arrives in Tokyo later Tuesday for a three-day visit, his first as Philippine leader and as his recent remarks on foreign policy and freewheeling style have captured international attention. For diplomats and political leaders, the main issue is Duterte's foreign policy toward Washington and how Japan can help mend those ties.
Tokyo is a major ally of the United States, and has watched as Duterte increasingly voiced attacks on the US and said he would scale back America's military engagement with his country. And has he worried Japan and the United States by reaching out strongly to China.
