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Russia eyes supplying military hardware to the Philippines
Russia's ambassador says his country is not discussing a military alliance but partnership and friendship with the Philippines, with Moscow interested in supplying arms, weapons and transferring technology to the United States' long-standing ally.
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (center left) salutes the troops with Armed Forces Chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya before boarding his flight for a three-day official visit to Japan at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP/ Bullit Marquez)
Russia's ambassador says his country is not discussing a military alliance but partnership and friendship with the Philippines, with Moscow interested in supplying arms, weapons and transferring technology to the United States' long-standing ally.
Ambassador Igor Khovaev said Tuesday that the two countries' economic and trade commission will start work soon to identify specific areas of cooperation.
He said Russia is open to all options, including long-term supply of military hardware "without political conditionality" like adherence to human rights. He was apparently alluding to the US Congress' conditions for military assistance.
Since becoming the Philippines' president in June, Rodrigo Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US He's declared intentions to bolster relations with China and Russia as he revamps Philippine foreign policy that has long leaned on Washington.
