Russian Navy Warns of Top Threats in Asia-Pacific
(Baonghean.vn) - On April 8, the Russian Navy considered terrorism and piracy as the "main threats" in the Asia-Pacific region, while not mentioning China's excessive expansion in the East Sea.
Speaking to reporters during a friendly visit to Manila, the head of the Russian Navy delegation, Colonel Sergei Alantiev, said: "If we consider the main threats, we think it is international piracy, and of course the threat of international terrorism. Especially regarding terrorism, my country has a lot of experience in dealing with it, and we would be happy to share it with our Philippine partners."
Asked about their views on freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, Mr. Alantiev replied: "The goal of this visit, as I have said, is to strengthen naval cooperation with the Republic of the Philippines."
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| Head of the Russian Navy delegation, Colonel Sergei Alantiev. Photo: Rappler |
Colonel Alantiev is leading a delegation of three ships from the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet on a five-day visit to Manila, ending on April 13. According to representatives of the Philippine and Russian navies, the visit is aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The visit will include “joint maritime, communications and special training exercises” with the participation of Philippine rapid reaction forces, Mr. Alantiev explained.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Philippine Navy, Colonel Constancio Reyes Jr. said that within the framework of the visit of the Russian ship group, the two sides will conduct "confidence-building" activities.
The visit coincides with the annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US armed forces, which has been calling for freedom of navigation operations in the Asia-Pacific. Since President Rodrigo Duterte took office, the Philippines has shifted from its traditional ally, the US, to Russia and China./.