Duterte performing a high-wire act - with no safety net

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte's four-day visit to China was packed with drama, including his hyperbolic assertion that he was "separating" from the United States and that, from now on, "there are three of us against the world - China, the Philippines and Russia".

However, after virtually throwing himself into China's arms, he returned to his own country and explained that his "separation from the United States" did not mean a break in diplomatic relations. Indeed, even the defence treaty may remain in place because, he said, "at the end of the day, it is a security matter".

Since Mr Duterte assumed office in July, he has successfully reduced tension in the South China Sea and, through his China visit, managed to resume the economic relationship with Beijing.