In reality, however, no national leader has the freedom to pursue policies deemed inappropriate by the international community.Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was reminded of this at last week's Asean summit in Vientiane. Gone abruptly was the chance to get the US more firmly on Manila's side over the territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Both Obama, whose term of office ends in January, and Duterte, who can't afford to anger such a powerful ally and trading partner, understood the importance of patching up their squabble. But American support in this matter is a bargaining chip that Duterte cannot afford to lose. Smart leaders don't limit their options in striking global deals.Duterte's blunder at his first international summit needn't become a syndrome.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 12, 2016 13:30 UTC