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Trump invites Duterte to White House during ‘animated’ phone call

US President-elect Donald Trump has invited Rodrigo Duterte to the White House next year, during what an aide to the outspoken Philippines President described as a “very engaging, animated” phone conversation between the pair.

Trump’s brief chat with Duterte comes during a period of uncertainty about one of Washington’s most important Asian alliances, stoked by Duterte’s unrelenting hostility toward the United States and his repeated threats to sever decades-old defense ties.

The call lasted just over seven minutes, Duterte’s special advisor, Christopher Go, said in a short text message to media, which gave few details. Trump’s transition team had no immediate comment.

Duterte has used anti-American rhetoric throughout his five months in office and spoke of a “separation” from the US during a visit to China in October, but has said he expects to have a good relationship with Trump.

Sometimes referred to as the “Trump of the East” because of his mercurial ways, Duterte has threatened repeatedly to sever defence ties between the two allies, saying he “hates” having foreign soldiers in his country.

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