Philippines remains the stable and reliable partner for the USA, and strengthening relationships between Manila and Beijing do not impede it, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel said, BBC reports.

According to the diplomat, the last statements of President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte that it is time for the country to “say goodbye to USA” and personal affronts to the address of President Barak Obama, threw America to confusion and created uncertainty regarding the intentions of the country’s authorities.

However, USA considers the Philippines as its reliable partner in Asia again, Russel said.

“It is a mistake to think that the improvement of relationships between Manila and Beijing somehow conflicts with the interest of USA”, he said.

Last Thursday, President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte visited Beijing and met with President of PRC Xi Jinping. During his visit, Duterte called US President the “son of bitch” and made some anti-American statements.

The visit may indicate the improvement of relationships between two countries, which worsened within the last years due to disputes on the belonging of the Spratly islands and Scarborough Cape.

Rodrigo Duterte became the President of Philippines in late June 2016. He is known for his non-diplomatic statements. In particular, he insulted UN experts, who said that it is a crime to kill drug addicts. Duterte also let himself insult Pope Francis and US President Barak Obama.

USA is the longtime ally of the Philippines. According to Social Weather Stations. 76% of Filipinos feel confidence in the USA, while 22% of the country – in China.

On Monday, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel had meeting with Foreign Minister of the Philippines Perfecto Yasay during the tour on three Eastern Asian countries. The diplomat will also visit Thailand and Cambodia.