Long speaks with VN Express about Filipino president’s visit to Vietnam
Ngo Vinh Long, professor of Asian history, spoke with the Vietnamese newspaper VN Express International for a story about Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte’s two-day visit to that country. Duterte’s visit that started Sept. 28 comes at a time when the new Filipino president has been in the spotlight for his tough image that has made international headlines. Long told the newspaper that the visit to Vietnam is designed to “restore the Philippines’ image as well as to promote economic exchanges.” On Duterte’s approach to ramping up relations with China, Long noted that “it has been partly designed not to rub salt into China’s wounds” after the Philippines’ court victory denying China’s claim to sovereignty in Pacific waters, and to not provoke China “into more adventurous adventures,” especially in the presidential election season. “If Duterte’s approach could calm down an aggressive China, it would be to the (benefit) of all concerned — China included,” he said.