At the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines capital Manila has sparked anti-American protests that ended only when a police van crashed into the crowd. About 10 people were injured.

About 1,000 members of the "newly formed Alliance of national minorities" protested in the Philippines for "unequal relations with the United States while maintaining an independent foreign policy Duterte," said the group in a statement.

Police reported that the protesters did not have the proper permit to gather in front of the U.S. Embassy, according to CNN. The authorities claim that they suffered demonstrations, but intervened when the protesters got too close to the building.

The chief of police of Manila superintendent Joel Napoleon Coronel told CNN that two demonstrators were wounded after being hit by a van. According to him, the driver "was just trying to bring a police van from the area because of noisy protesters tried to roll him over."

However, he stressed that the rating was a result of the initial report and the authorities will investigate this incident. 20 protesters were arrested.

Trip to Beijing - the first state visit of Duterte as President. "I'm going to go to China to make friends with them and also with Russia," recently told Duterte. Duterte made it clear that he plans to build an "independent foreign policy" - which appears to be less reliance on US support.

Earlier this month, he said that he can "break up" with America if it continued disrespect to the Philippines and that President Barack Obama could "go to hell." China, in turn, hopes to improve bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure and drug control, according to Xinhua. "This is a historic visit, and gives you the opportunity to restart the relations between China and the Philippines in a more positive way," said the Minister of foreign Affairs of China Wang.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents, Accidents