In the wake of the simmering US-Philippines relations, the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte has rebuked the US for advising Manila not to buy the Russian submarines. Duterte has levelled charges again the US for hindering the modernisation of the Filipino military. Duterte outrightly pointed toward the US and asked, “Who are you to warn us?”
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As reported by Sputnik News, Duterte also blamed the US for selling used military equipment to Manila. He stated that this is not the way in which a country should treat its allies. Duterte further went on to say that if Manila procures submarines from the US then they too would implode like the US helicopters did earlier.
Earlier in August, in a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Russia and the Philippines, the Filipino minister stated that Manila is very much inclined to buy military equipment from Moscow. He stated that the Philippines would not turn down any opportunity to acquire military equipment from Russia even if the US threatens Manila with sanctions.
This stern and bold reaction came from Duterte after the US warned Manila for its plans to buy Russian military hardware. The US Assistant Defence Secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, Randall Shriver had asked the Philippines to be cautious about buying military equipment from Russia. Shriver also stated that the US can be a better partner than the Russians can be.
Before these warnings issued by the US, reports suggested that Manila is considering the Russian proposal for the procurement of Russian submarines. Moscow has also offered help to Manila for buying the submarines. Under the proposal made by Russia, an allocation of a subsidised loan will be made to Manila.
Clearly, the President of the Philippines, Duterte wants new weapons and a modernisation of the nation’s military at any cost. Seems like the Philippines isn’t even scared of the US anymore and is now out in an open defiance to Washington.
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