INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Russia cosies up to Philippines over arms
Two Russian warships dock in Manila — the first official contact between the countries’ navies
Manila — Russia is ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons including aircraft and submarines and aims to become a close friend of the traditional US ally as it diversifies its foreign ties, Russia’s ambassador said on Wednesday. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has thrown the future of Philippine-US relations into question with a number of angry outbursts against the former colonial power and some scaling back of military ties while taking steps to boost ties with China and Russia. Illustrating the transformation of Philippine foreign relations since Duterte took office in June 2016, two Russian warships are on a four-day visit to Manila this week, the first official contact between the navies of the two countries. Russian ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev took the opportunity to hold a news conference on board the antisubmarine vessel Admiral Tributs. He said he understood that the Philippines was intent on diversifying its foreign partners. "It’s not a ch...
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