OPINION:
The Obama administration has presided over the betrayal and loss of American allies around the globe. One of the most recent, and most serious loss of friendship and shared interests has come in the Philippines. Newly elected Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made public his hatred of the Obama administration and openly shifted his country’s military cooperation to China and now Russia. Subic Bay and other formerly American military facilities are strategic beachheads for American military forces in the Pacific.
The Russian ambassador to the Philippines, Igor Khovaev, made recent comments on this issue as he offered weapons and ’strong friendship’ to the PI as Russian naval vessels visited the island country.
“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,” reported VOA News.
“We don’t interfere with your relations with your traditional partners and your traditional partners should respect the interest of the Philippines and Russia.
“We are ready to supply small arms and light weapons, some airplanes, 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.
“Your traditional partners should not be concerned about the military ties … If they are concerned, it means they need to get rid of clichés.”
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