NZH
Russia's Pacific Fleet is amid a five-day visit to the Philippines of vessels, led by Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov.
This marks the third ever visit made by Russian military vessels to the Philippines, according to the Filipino Navy's Commodore Francisco Cabudao.Speaking at the Manila harbour, Mikhailov attempted to pursuade the Philippines to join forces with Russia.
"You can choose to cooperate with United States of America or to cooperate with Russia," Mikhailov said.
"But from our side we can help you in every way that you need. We are sure that in the future we'll have exercises with you. Maybe just maneuvering or maybe use of combat systems and so on."
Currently the Philippines' military remains underequipped and underfunded, leaving the country's defence force struggling to deal with attacks by jihadist terror groups in its south.
"We have an experience in fighting these [threats]," Mikhailov said
"We will share to [sic] you our knowledge on these problems, how to solve piracy and terrorism."
He also indicated that other players in the region, such as China and Malaysia, could coordinate with the potential Russian-Philippine training exercises "in a few years".
The United States did not get a mention.
Meanwhile, Russia's ambassador has confirmed the country is willing to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons, including aircraft and submarines, with the aim of becoming a close friend with the traditional US ally.
Russian ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev held a news conference in which he acknowledged the Philippines' intention to diversify its foreign partners."It's not a choice between these partners and those ones. Diversification means preserving and keeping old traditional partners and getting new ones. So Russia is ready to become a new reliable partner and close friend of the Philippines," he said.
"We don't interfere with your relations with your traditional partners and your traditional partners should respect the interest of the Philippines and Russia."He said Russia had a range of weapons to offer.
"We are ready to supply small arms and light weapons, some aeroplanes, helicopters, submarines and many, many other weapons. Sophisticated weapons. Not the second-hand ones," Khovaev said.
"Russia has a lot to offer but everything will be done in full compliance with international law."
But the move comes as the longstanding close ties between Washington and Manila turn increasingly sour in the wake of Rodrigo Duterte's presidency.In October 2016, the controversial leader drew gasps from the United States after he announced a major shift in alliances.
"In this venue, I announce my separation from the United States," Duterte told a hall of Chinese and Philippine business people. His words were met with applause as he announced "America has lost", and that he has "realigned" himself with China's ideological flow.
He even said he would go to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin.
"[I will] tell him that there are three of us against the world: China, Philippines and Russia. It's the only way," Duterte told the Beijing audience.
Prior to that, he made global headlines after infamously calling outgoing US President Barack Obama a "son of a wh*re" and told him to "go to hell".
Now I've quoted a lot of that because it really shows how the relationships and positioning is developing. With that idiot trump and his dimwitted accomplishes coming in things will only get worse, much worse. Tensions will rise and the pressure will increase significantly this year. Trump is weak, putin knows this and China is under no illusions either. Trump, over his presidency will not only start wars but he'll lose them. This is my prediction.
