The Philippine president has announced plans to visit China and Russia within the year, to chart an independent foreign policy and to open alliances with the two super-powers.

According to Duterte, it's a dramatic change in policy. He has appealed to China in response to the flight of Western investment from his country.

"I'm going to China. I will open up all avenues of trade and commerce. They can come in. Then I can give them 60 years plus another 60 years," Duterte said.

He also extended this olive branch to Russia.

"I have been talking with Prime Minister Medvedev. And I said, I think I'm about to cross the rubicon between me and the United States, at least for six years. I would need your help in everything: trade, commerce. I will open up," Duterte said.

His vitriol against the United States has become a near-daily occurrence, sparking both amusement and concern. On Monday he accused Washington of "hypocrisy" and "lording it" over the Philippines.

However, his key aides often play down his controversial remarks, instead issuing clarifications as to what he really meant.