It looks like Moscow is starting to take an interest in the South China Sea. CNN reported that with Russia moving into the South China Sea, it seems like Moscow has some plans up their sleeves. The Russian destroyer, Admiral Tributs and the tanker, Boris Butomato have docked in Manila.
The Philippines government were happy to welcome them on shore since the Navy was looking forward to the goodwill visit. Since it is a goodwill visit, speculations have started on what sort of joint exercises Moscow and Manila will partake in.
Lued Lincuna, the public affairs officer of the Philippine Navy, confirmed that the Navy of the two countries would not participate in any joint ventures in the next five days that the warships are docked in Manila.
The outcome of the goodwill visit can be seen in the future. The two commanders will discuss on joint ventures that the two countries can play a role in, sometime in the future.
Russian Navy Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov, spoke to Sputnik News and informed that the Russian ships would work with the Philippine Navy to teach them how to combat maritime terrorism and piracy.
The two countries will share tactics and insights for the purpose of working towards projects in the future. This would be the first time that the Russian and Philippines Navy have decided to come in contact.
Sputnik News reported that the venture is a navy to navy collaboration, something that hasn’t been seen previously and will surely start a trend that will ensure stronger borders and seas. Admiral Eduard Mikhailov said that he wants the Philippines Navy to show their Russian counterpart what they can do and they, in turn, will teach them what they are capable of.
Since there isn’t any official information on the nature of the project, there are speculations. Professor Carl Shuster, from the Hawaii Pacific University, believes that it’s hard to accept that Russia would be partaking in a Navy drill with another country. Shuster has previously been the director of operations at the Joint Intelligence Center of the US Pacific Command.
Prof. Shuster went to explain that Russia has a signal system that is different from the one used by other countries and this makes it impossible to work with other navies in such close quarters.
There is the risk of misinterpreting the signals coming from the Russian post, and they could lead to collisions that will be catastrophic.
Philippines has always been a US ally and was formerly a US territory, but the ties with the country have become strained ever since President Rodrigo Duterte came to office in Philipines. With the relationship with Washington severed, Duterte said that he would look towards building a relationship with Russia.
Philippines has maintained close ties with the US for a long time and depended heavily on them for ships, aircraft, and all military weapons. The Philippines has looked to other countries as well while trying to build their arsenal, but this would be the first time that they have directly asked Russian help.
ABC reported that Philippine plans on buying sniper rifles and drones from Russia. The Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who visited Moscow in the previous month, revealed the news. Philippines Defense Secretary visited Russia to initiate a military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
During the tour in November, both countries agreed to enter into a Philippines-Russia Agreement on Defense Cooperation. Duterte had first spoken about his desire to strengthen ties with Russia and China when he was visiting Beijing in October 2016.