The information about the presence of a Russian submarine in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea is "very alarming". This was stated by the country's president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., quoted by "Reuters".
Earlier today, the Philippine newspaper "Daily Inquirer", citing security sources, reported that a Russian military submarine surfaced in Manila's EEZ last week.
"This is very disturbing. "Any incursion into the West Philippine Sea, into our exclusive economic zone, into our baselines, is very alarming," Marcos stressed.
He did not elaborate on the reported presence of the submarine and said he would let the military discuss the matter.
China and Russia announced a "no-holds-barred" partnership when President Vladimir Putin visits Beijing in 2022. - just days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In July, the two countries conducted naval exercises with live firing in the South China Sea.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the past year over overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
Court of Arbitration since 2016. ruled that China's historic claims to the disputed waterway have no basis - a decision Beijing rejects.