Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr's visit to Russia for a summit with ASEAN leaders will be closely monitored by the US and China. The visit aims to demonstrate the Philippines' role as ASEAN chair and maintain open diplomatic channels.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr will travel to Russia next week for a summit with Moscow and Southeast Asian leaders, a visit analysts say will allow Manila to show it can fulfil its role as Asean chair and keep 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 Washington and Beijing for any concrete outcomes on energy,...