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

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 While the trip is unlikely to signal a shift in Philippine foreign policy, observers say it will be watched closely in Washington and Beijing for any concrete outcomes on energy, sanctions-sensitive sectors or wider strategic cooperation with Moscow. Marcos will head to Kazan from June 17 to 18 for the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit, his first visit to Russia since taking office in 2022. Presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro said on Thursday that Marcos would attend the gathering, and was expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines. “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. The visit comes as Marcos has expanded military cooperation with the United States, including new access sites for American forces and larger joint exercises, while also strengthening security partnerships with US allies such as Japan and Australia.