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The Philippines
This Week in AsiaPolitics

Why US and China are watching Philippines’ Marcos Jnr at Russia-Asean talks

The visit comes amid expanded military ties with the US but is unlikely to signal a shift in Philippine foreign policy, analysts say

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr will head to Kazan from June 17 to 18 for the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit. Photo: Pool via Reuters
Jeoffrey Maitem
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr will travel to Russia next week for a summit with Moscow and Southeast Asian leaders in a visit analysts say will allow Manila to show it can fulfil its role as Asean chair while keeping diplomatic channels open with major powers, despite closer security ties with Washington.

While the trip is unlikely to signal a shift in Philippine foreign policy, observers say it will be watched closely in both Washington and Beijing for any concrete outcomes on energy, sanctions-sensitive sectors or wider strategic cooperation with Moscow.

Marcos is scheduled to visit Kazan from June 17 to 18 for the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit, his first visit to Russia since taking office in 2022.

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The summit marks the 35th anniversary of relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Russia, one of the regional bloc’s dialogue partners.
Presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro confirmed on Thursday that Marcos would attend the gathering, adding that he was expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines.
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“We will lead the review of the progress of our cooperation and relations with Russia. This will also include a discussion of the next steps to further deepen and expand the relationship between the Philippines, Russia and Asean,” Castro told reporters.

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