Duterte threatens to end US military pact if no vaccines

Philippine leader pressures Washington after procurement delays

20201227 Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to send home U.S. forces stationed in the Philippines as his government's COVID-19 vaccine plans fall into disarray. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Operations Office)

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened the U.S. that the Philippines will end a key military agreement if millions of vaccines against COVID-19 are not delivered.

Facing strong domestic criticism over procurement delays, Duterte has tried to turn the Visiting Forces Agreement into a bargaining chip to secure COVID-19 vaccines from the U.S.

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