Philippines leader calls on N. Korea, US to show restraint
By Park Si-soo
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday called on North Korea and the United States to show restraint.
The outspoken leader made the call during a news briefing at the end of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
“We have to caution everybody, we would give the advice to the two power players because if they release their warheads, to just show restraint,” said Duterte, when asked about North Korea's nuclear weapons tests and ballistic missile launches.
“It behooves upon America, which wields the biggest stick, to be prudent and patient,” he said.
Duterte expressed “grave concern” about North Korea’s missile tests.
“The countries of ASEAN [are] extremely worried,” he said. “There seems to be two countries playing with their toys and those toys are not really to entertain.”
He described North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as somebody who “relishes letting go of his missiles.
“Do not play into his hands. The guy simply wants to end the world. That is why he is very happy, he’s always smiling but he really wants to finish everything and they will drag us all down.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) invited Duterte to the White House. Whether Duterte will accept the invitation is unknown.