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http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/stor...ayas-kayo-i-ll-deal-with-china-russia-instead

Duterte responds: Lumayas kayo, I'll deal with China, Russia instead

Published September 22, 2016 8:26pm
By TRISHA MACAS, GMA News

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President Rodrigo Duterte again lashed out at critics, saying he doesn't believe claims that his tough talk is scaring off investors, even as he said he's ready to deal with China and Russia instead.

"Do not keep complaining about my mouth because my mouth is not the problem. It cannot bring down a country," said Duterte in a speech in Cagayan De Oro on Thursday.

"Ang issue dito hindi ang bunganga ko. And they are saying the ratings sa business, sa economy. Eh 'di so be it. Lumayas kayo. Then we can start on our own. I can go to China. I can go to Russia. I had a talk with them. They are waiting for me. So what the hell."

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) Global Ratings earlier said an upgrade for the Philippines was unlikely because of investor concern over the political climate.

"(I)nternational investors may be getting worried about potential diplomatic complications and short-term law and order issues on the ground," S&P said in the September 2016 issue of Asia-Pacific Economic Snapshots.

Duterte has drawn international headlines because of his profanity-laced tirades that have been directed at critics from the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States.

In another speech earlier in the day, Duterte said he didn't care about credit ratings.

"Sabihin nitong mga... na BB plus credit, wala akong pakialam sa inyo," he said in Misamis Oriental.

Fastest growing economy

In an earlier press conference, Palace officials were much more diplomatic.

"We welcome S&P’s decisions as it gives government greater resolve to make our economy growth robust, sustainable and inclusive. The fundamentals of the economy are solid and strong," Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

"We are the fastest growing economy in the second quarter of 2016 and we shall seize this economic momentum to bring about inclusive developments to our people. Any hiccups to slow down growth will depend on the overall performance of the global economy."

Andanar also defended the administration's drug war, which has drawn much international criticism due to its rising death toll.

"The President’s commitment in the anti-illegal drug campaign and criminality will enhance the country’s image to attract more foreign investment," he said.

"Peace and order is a must, for investors to invest more in the country and we thank the Filipino for having a better appreciation of the positive changes now happening under this administration. As we all know, consumer optimism soared at the start of this presidency."

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez added that despite the concerns over killings, the government is not changing macroeconomic policies.

"Kasi ho si President Duterte tingin po naming even sa business sector, siya po talaga determined lang to help the Filipino people, to ensure peace, security, drug-free, illegal drug-free. Iyon din po ang pangako sa ASEAN nagkasundo doon at siya po talagang he is just after our welfare," he said.

Tough talk

In his Cagayan De Oro speech, Duterte also defended his tough talk, hitting out at human rights advocates for criticizing him for his rhetoric threatening to kill criminals.

"There is no law at all [that stops anyone from threatening criminals]. Mind you, Human Rights Commission, tarantando pala kayo, there has to be a law." he said.

Earlier this month, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein criticized Duterte for "empowering police forces to shoot to kill any individual whom they claim to suspect of drug crimes, with or without evidence."

- See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/stor...ith-china-russia-instead#sthash.x4iqKTdV.dpuf
 
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"Ang issue dito hindi ang bunganga ko. And they are saying the ratings sa business, sa economy. Eh 'di so be it. Lumayas kayo. Then we can start on our own. I can go to China. I can go to Russia. I had a talk with them. They are waiting for me. So what the hell."
"Sabihin nitong mga... na BB plus credit, wala akong pakialam sa inyo," he said in Misamis Oriental.
"Kasi ho si President Duterte tingin po naming even sa business sector, siya po talaga determined lang to help the Filipino people, to ensure peace, security, drug-free, illegal drug-free. Iyon din po ang pangako sa ASEAN nagkasundo doon at siya po talagang he is just after our welfare," he said.


Any idea what the non-English parts says? Please help translate if possible.
 
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September 22 Memorial Park "Chuninyuan" village Telinhe Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province held a solemn ceremony of opening of the monument in honor of the seven Soviet soldiers of 190th Rifle Division died in war with Japan.
 
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Any idea what the non-English parts says? Please help translate if possible.

Ang issue dito hindi ang bunganga ko. And they are saying the ratings sa business, sa economy. Eh 'di so be it. Lumayas kayo.
The issue here is not my mouth. And they are saying the ratings for business, for economy. Then so be it. Get lost.

"Sabihin nitong mga... na BB plus credit, wala akong pakialam sa inyo," he said in Misamis Oriental.
They can say...BBplus credit, I don't care about them (ratings).

Kasi ho si President Duterte tingin po naming even sa business sector, siya po talaga determined lang to help the Filipino people, to ensure peace, security, drug-free, illegal drug-free. Iyon din po ang pangako sa ASEAN nagkasundo doon at siya po talagang he is just after our welfare," he said.
For us in the business sector, President Duterte is determined to help the Filipino people, to ensure peace, security, drug-free, illegal drug-free. That is also the agreement in ASEAN and he is just after our welfare.
 
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The issue here is not my mouth. And they are saying the ratings for business, for economy. Then so be it. Get lost.


They can say...BBplus credit, I don't care about them (ratings).


For us in the business sector, President Duterte is determined to help the Filipino people, to ensure peace, security, drug-free, illegal drug-free. That is also the agreement in ASEAN and he is just after our welfare.


My Tagalog is very limited, thanks very much for your help!
 
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Vietnam calls for peace maintenance as Russia joins China in military drill in S.China Sea

By Viet Anh September 22, 2016 | 05:42 pm GMT+7
The week-long joint exercise came shortly after Putin spoke in support for China’s stance in the waters.
Vietnam’s foreign spokesman has called for peace maintenance in the region as China and Russia just conducted the first joint military exercise in the East Sea, internationally known as the South China Sea.

The spokesman said at a press briefing Thursday that all activities including military operations in the East Sea need to follow international regulations, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Vietnam hopes that all countries contribute positively to the maintenance of peace and stability, and ensure air and maritime safety and security in the East Sea as well as the whole Asia-Pacific region,” Binh said.

China and Russia on Monday just wrapped up their first week-long military exercise off Guangdong.

The activity came after Russian President Vladimir Putin showed support for Beijing’s position in the East Sea during talks early this month.

The two leaders are said to have shared opinions that it is inappropriate for a third party to meddle in other countries’ affairs, the argument Beijing has used against U.S. involvement in East Sea territorial disputes.

An international tribune in the Hague on July 12 ruled that Beijing has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the East Sea resources. The ruling came after the Philippines filed a case in January 2013 accusing Beijing of violating the UNCLOS.

http://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vi...in-military-drill-in-s-china-sea-3472572.html

I am cautiously optimistic that, like the PH, VN will also come to its senses in understanding that conspiring with outside-unrelated actors against China on the territorial disputes will only aggravate the situation and end up hardening China's posture.

At the end of the day, no body will really risk their lives for PH or VN.

Russia's support of China in the South China Sea obviously shows that two top powers of the world desire a bilaterally-negotiated regional solution to the disputes.
 
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As of July, Chinese enterprises had established 52 economic cooperation zones in the countries while paying 900 million dollars in taxes and creating nearly 70,000 local jobs.

The MOC said earlier the Belt and Road Initiative had boosted business cooperation between Chinese and foreign firms. During the first eight months of 2016, nearly 4,000 engineering contracts were signed by Chinese companies in 61 countries along the routes, with combined contract value of 69.82 billion U.S. dollars.

Impressive. Hopefully, soon, we will not be bombarded by the analyses on China's overproduction woes just like the stories on ghost cities and pollution which are now being sidelined by the Western discourse market.

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Hong Kong and Kazakhstan Strengthen Ties under The Belt and Road Initiative

High-level Hong Kong delegation visits Almaty, Astana

HONG KONG, Sept 15, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - Riding on business opportunities being created by the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong's first high-level official delegation to Central Asia is visiting Kazakhstan to promote closer trade and investment ties. Organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 13-16 September mission is led by Financial Secretary John Tsang and involves meetings with Kazakh government and business leaders in Astana and Almaty.

In the Kazakh capital, Kairat Kelimbetov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre officiated at a Wednesday (14 September) business luncheon which attracted more than 210 leading members of the Kazakhstan business community.

Memorandum of understanding on bilateral relations

A highlight of the trip was a Memorandum of Understanding signed Wednesday by the HKTDC and Astana International Financial Centre. Under the agreement, the HKTDC will promote investment projects in Kazakhstan through its Belt and Road Portal and both organisations will support future delegations to Hong Kong and Kazakhstan respectively.

Financial Secretary Mr Tsang also witnessed a framework agreement between KZT Express, a transport and logistics subsidiary of Kazakhstan's national railway, and Hong Kong-registered Kazakhstan Potash Corporation (KPC). The deal calls for the two companies to establish and develop cooperation on international transportation and logistics.

Hong Kong-Kazakhstan collaboration

Noting that Kazakhstan is Central Asia's largest economy with ample natural resources, Mr Tsang outlined Hong Kong's unique advantages including its "one country, two systems" formula as a Special Administrative Region of China, as well as the city's international experience and networks in finance, investment, trade and logistics.

He also said Kazakh investors and businesses can make good use of Hong Kong's advanced infrastructure and professional services to find opportunities on the Chinese mainland as well as in global markets.

Belt and Road opportunities

Also speaking at the Hong Kong Business Luncheon in Astana, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director Stephen Liang elaborated on the event's theme: "Exploring Business Opportunities between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan under the Belt and Road Initiative."

Mr Liang said the Initiative provides a clear impetus for Hong Kong-Kazakhstan collaboration to grow, and the HKTDC stands ready to support companies from Kazakhstan and around the world to access Belt and Road opportunities using Hong Kong's wide range of services including legal, financial, transport, infrastructure and real estate services.

He added that the HKTDC can help by "informing, connecting and facilitating" through the Council's full range of services and events including more than 30 world-class international trade fairs and conferences as well as business matching and investment missions. Mr Liang invited Kazakh enterprises to join the next Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong on 11 September 2017, as well as to visit the HKTDC's Belt and Road Portal (www.beltandroad.hk) where Kazakhstan businesses can find news about Belt and Road-related projects and connect with potential partners and investors.

The mission was also an opportunity to underscore how Kazakh companies are already tapping into Hong Kong's business advantages. Companies such as KAZ Minerals and KTZ Express are already either listed in Hong Kong or have opened Hong Kong offices. In recent years, there are also an increasing number of buyers and exhibitors from Kazakhstan coming to Hong Kong trade events.

Rising star in Central Asia

Mr Kelimbetov welcomed Hong Kong business people to explore new opportunities in Kazakhstan. "To encourage business growth and attract foreign investment, we have adopted a number of measures such as simplified procedures and tax incentives," he said.

In addition to WTO accession, Kazakhstan is a founding member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and is a potential access point to the 290 million-strong CIS market which includes Russia, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The country has set up 10 special economic zones (SEZs), including the US$3.5 billion Khorgas-East Gate SEZ near its border with China.

Diverse delegation

Among the more than 30 Hong Kong delegates on the trip are senior executives from regulatory agencies as well from leading multinational corporations in finance, infrastructure and real estate, technology, telecommunications, legal, logistics and natural resources sectors.

The mission includes Chairman of Hong Kong's Financial Services Development Council Laura Cha, Chairman of ATF Bank Anthony Espina, Technical Director of Octopus Holdings Limited Sammy Kam and Non-executive Chairman of MTR Corporation Frederick Ma. Representatives from Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and PCCW Global Limited are also part of the delegation.

During the four-day visit, the Hong Kong group will meet Kazakh officials and executives of leading enterprises, as well as see public transportation systems, logistics and industrial park facilities, a mixed-use development project and attend briefings by financial institutions.

The group will depart Astana for Almaty today, where a second Hong Kong Business Luncheon will be held at the InterContinental Almaty Hotel on Friday (16 September).

HKTDC Photo Link: http://bit.ly/2cIwqP8
 
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I am cautiously optimistic that, like the PH, VN will also come to its senses in understanding that conspiring with outside-unrelated actors against China on the territorial disputes will only aggravate the situation and end up hardening China's posture.

At the end of the day, no body will really risk their lives for PH or VN.

Russia's support of China in the South China Sea obviously shows that two top powers of the world desire a bilaterally-negotiated regional solution to the disputes.

aggressive rising or expansionism of China in SCS is the main reason for USA asia pivot policy. The situation is getting more complicated when Russia and Japan will involved in to this dispute with different intention. PCA ruling is victory of people PH and VN here. and USA will turn back , in long term. Its not vobal talking.

Russia support for China (vobally and ot training your by navy drilling) is simply calculated on his own interest, the case of Crime annexation should be brought to permanent court in Hagge, in near future. Russian will not join to fight counter USANAVY in SCS for China' dream. I think China could known well about that.
 
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Russia & China start building connecting suspension bridge
Published time: 22 Sep, 2016 12:33, RT.com

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The Amursk River riverside in Blagoveshchensk © Igor Ageyenko / Sputnik


The construction of a suspension bridge across the Amur River, which will connect the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk with China’s Heihe has begun, reports the Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese region will invest about $120 million in the project.

According to the construction director Xing Lixin, the bridge will be around a kilometer long and getting between China and Russia will take 20 minutes, which will significantly reduce the border crossing time.

The project has been thought about for 20 years, and Russia and China finally agreed to build the road in 2014. Since then, the two sides have been negotiating how it would be financed.

After the suspension bridge is finished, it will be connected to a railway bridge across the Amur River.


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The bridge is likely to boost trade between Russia's Far East and China. The shortest distance between Heihe and Blagoveshchensk, which are known as sister cities, is 700 meters. However, cars now have to drive 3,500 kilometers to get to the neighbor country.

Border trade with China is a very important part for Blagoveshchensk’s economy. The city is home to a large Chinese expatriate community and is part of a free trade zone which also includes Heihe.
 
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Russia Targets China for Gold Sales as VTB, Sberbank Expand

Yuliya Fedorinova YFEDORN

September 22, 2016 — 4:23 AM EDT

Updated on September 22, 2016 — 12:37 PM EDT

Russia’s gold sales in China are set to expand as VTB Capital boosts sales and Sberbank PJSC prepares to enter the market, chasing demand in the world’s biggest consumer of bullion.

Sberbank CIB plans to register on the Shanghai Gold Exchange and eventually to sell up to 100 tons (3.2 million ounces) a year, according to an e-mail from the investment arm of Russia’s largest bank. VTB Capital, a unit of the second-biggest lender, is targeting sales of as much as 20 metric tons of gold in China in 2017, Sergey Nenashev, the bank’s head of precious metals, said by e-mail. Sales may reach a rate of 100 tons a year near the end of 2018, he said.

Russian banks, which act as intermediaries between the country’s gold producers and the market, aim to tap into Asian growth. Rising incomes and few investment options in China are driving demand for gold jewelry, bars and coins in China. In July, Shanghai Gold Exchange volumes almost doubled from a year earlier to 1.7 trillion yuan ($255 billion), figures compiled by the bourse show.


Banks have been looking at China for a while as it’s the “largest ultimate, paying customer” for gold, Sergey Kashuba, head of the Union of Gold Producers of Russia, said by e-mail on Tuesday. This year, they may ship several tons of gold to China in pilot sales, he said.

If Sberbank and VTB each will reach their targets of annual sales of 100 tons to China, that would account for about 5 percent of the world’s global gold supply, based on figures from the World Gold Council.

Avoiding Costs
VTB and Otkritie Financial Corp., the nation’s biggest closely held lender, started operating on the bourse in Shanghai in April and August, respectively. Otkritie plans to sell 5 tons this year, the press service said, declining to comment further.

With India and China buying up almost 60 percent of global gold output, “our current strategy is to be the preferred partner for the official domestic importers into these regions,” Nenashev of VTB said. The lender buys 70 to 90 tons of gold in Russia each year, and 50 to 90 tons on international markets, he said.


Traditionally, Russian miners sold metal to local banks, primarily Sberbank, VTB and Otkritie, to avoid export costs. The country is the second-biggest gold producer, with output of about 290 tons in 2015, according to the Union of Gold Producers of Russia.

Premium Price
Miners like local banks as they offer a premium to market prices, Mikhail Stiskin, chief financial officer at Polyus PJSC, Russia’s largest gold producer, said in an interview in June.

“The central bank of Russia simply pays the London gold price to give an incentive to the domestic financial institutions not to export physical gold,” Nenashev said. “For the local banks, there are savings on international logistics, insurance and other transaction costs. This translates into savings for our customers as well.”

Sberbank sees Europe and the Middle East, as well as Asia, as the major focus but will consider expanding in other areas as long as markets stay strong, its press service said.

“We believe that the macroeconomic environment will stay supportive for gold and expect the metal to trade above $1,250-$1,300 per ounce in the mid-term with risks skewed to the upside," Sberbank said.

VTB Capital has a more optimistic view for 2017, forecasting an average $1,450 an ounce. Gold has risen 26 percent this year to $1,342 an ounce.

“Any drop below $1,300 per ounce should be viewed as a buying opportunity,” Nenashev said.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...d-sales-to-china-as-sberbank-goes-to-shanghai
 
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aggressive rising or expansionism of China in SCS is the main reason for USA asia pivot policy.

The "Rebalance to Asia" policy was declared in 2011 (Obama's speech in Australian parliament and Clinton's article in Foreign Affairs.) China's island development program started in 2013.

According to the law of causality, China's island development program cannot be the cause of the "Pivot."

The situation is getting more complicated when Russia and Japan will involved in to this dispute with different intention.

Japan has always been strongly involved. It is one of the largest (if not the largest) development actors in SEA. But Japan has its own historical-territorial baggage with China (Taiwan), Korea, and Russia. So, no, it cannot be a more effective actor than it really is.

Russia's involvement on China's side, however, changes the balance very significantly not the least because it is a nuclear power and hold UNSC seat. Besides, Russia has its own territorial dispute with Japan and in very bad terms with the US, which happens to be the new-found partner of Vietnam.

PCA ruling is victory of people PH and VN here.

Maybe for VN, but obviously not for PH. Check the last two months of PH government statements. Looks like VN is the new PH for the US in SEA.

and USA will turn back , in long term. Its not vobal talking.

US is already here, it cannot be more than it is. It came to the pinnacle of its existence in East Asia, and it looks like it has no practical effect on China, other than forcing China to take development steps more quickly than it would otherwise have done.

US presence is not helping you, because the US is not here to help you, in the first place.

Russia support for China (vobally and ot training your by navy drilling) is simply calculated on his own interest, the case of Crime annexation should be brought to permanent court in Hagge, in near future.

Of course, my friend, would you work for your boss if it was not for your interest? Every sort of relationship is interest-based, be it monetary or emotional.

Hague cannot do anything to a UNSC permanent power. UNSC is the maker of law. You cannot fight a war legitimately if there is no full consensus by 5 permanent powers.

Russian will not join to fight counter USANAVY in SCS for China' dream. I think China could known well about that.

Just as the US will not fight with China for PH or VN. Maybe it will fight with China, but not for VN or PH. Just ask yourself: Why would they have to die for you?

In the end, we are coming back to Hobbesian international system. You are alone. We are alone.

Russian support is strategically important for China, be it for altruistic reasons or for selfish interests. What matters is that Russia stands by China in SCS.
 
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Congratulations on Chinese and Russian forces on conclusion of collective effort to combat , against disturbances in region

We would we would have also been there , to participate in some capacity may be send in 1-2 ships in such a glorious occasion

Looks quite intense
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Just amazing pictures thank you to the Chinese users to share these wonderful images
 
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Russia support for China (vobally and ot training your by navy drilling) is simply calculated on his own interest, the case of Crime annexation should be brought to permanent court in Hagge, in near future. Russian will not join to fight counter USANAVY in SCS for China' dream. I think China could known well about that.

Of course Russian is doing it for its own interests. We are all making decisions and taking actions for own interests, no matter it is individual persons like you or me, or countries like China, Russia, US, Japan, or Vietnam.

We value our ties with Russia. But that doesn't mean we need Russia to do the sea battle for us. That's unnecessary. The motto of our Chinese people is: 自力更生艰苦奋斗 (Translation: Work hard and depend on our own capabilities)

In addition, I don't know how your perceive the Russian Navy. But to me, the Russian Navy has been seriously weakened since its peak time during the Soviet-era. At least that's the case for its surface ships. For example, its Pacific Fleet currently only has five destroyers, 4x Project 1155, 1x Project 956, all commissioned before the death of the Soviet Union.

But do you know the frequency of new ships delivery to the China PLA Navy just in this year (Jan. to July, 2016)? Let me tell you: one new ship every 10 days. If you don't believe, check my thread at:
https://defence.pk/threads/china-navy-has-got-19-new-ships-year-to-date-2016.442197/

BTW, take a look at the July 2016 sat. image of one Chinese shipyard. How many new 052D destroyers are close to be delivered? 1, 2, 3, 4! Again, that's just one shipyard at one single moment.

Now you still think we need Russia to do the sea battles for us?

JN1.jpg
 
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Of course Russian is doing it for its own interests. We are all making decisions and taking actions for own interests, no matter it is individual persons like you or me, or countries like China, Russia, US, Japan, or Vietnam.

We value our ties with Russia. But that doesn't mean we need Russia to do the sea battle for us. That's unnecessary. The motto of our Chinese people is: 自力更生艰苦奋斗 (Translation: Work hard and depend on our own capabilities)

In addition, I don't know how your perceive the Russian Navy. But to me, the Russian Navy has been seriously weakened since its peak time during the Soviet-era. At least that's the case for its surface ships. For example, its Pacific Fleet currently only has five destroyers, 4x Project 1155, 1x Project 956, all commissioned before the death of the Soviet Union.

But do you know the frequency of new ships delivery to the China PLA Navy just in this year (Jan. to July, 2016)? Let me tell you: one new ship every 10 days. If you don't believe, check my thread at:
https://defence.pk/threads/china-navy-has-got-19-new-ships-year-to-date-2016.442197/

BTW, take a look at the July 2016 sat. image of one Chinese shipyard. How many new 052D destroyers are close to be delivered? 1, 2, 3, 4! Again, that's just one shipyard at one single moment.

Now you still think we need Russia to do the sea battles for us?

View attachment 336997
The alliance is merely symbolic.
 
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