The Philippines' president doesn't want US submarines because he says they'll 'implode' — so he's turning to Russia

pulse

August 17, 2018 8:27 PM

The president of the Philippines bashed the US Friday for warning his country against purchasing Russian submarines. He criticized the US for only providing hand-me-down weapons systems, arguing that if his country were to buy US submarines, they would probably "implode."

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte bashed the US Friday for warning his country against purchasing Russian submarines.
He criticized the US for only providing hand-me-down weapons systems, arguing that if his country were to buy US submarines, they would probably "implode."
The Philippines is a US ally, but Duterte has been pursuing a foreign policy independent of the US, forging closer ties with rivals like China and Russia.

The leader of a close US ally is turning to rival Russia for submarines, arguing that if his country were to buy American submarines, they would probably "implode."

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte lashed out Friday after the US warned the Philippines against purchasing Russian Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines. He accused the US of selling its ally only hand-me-down weapons that endanger the lives of Filipino troops, according to local outlet Rappler.

pulse