THE 1980S CALLED… WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST: Russia Beefing up Military Ties With the Philippines.

Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov, deputy commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, led the five-day visit of vessels including an anti-submarine ship and showcased what his country can offer to a Southeast Asian nation that’s long been a staunch American treaty ally.

“You can choose … to cooperate with United States of America or to cooperate with Russia,” Mikhailov told reporters through an interpreter at the Manila harbor after a welcoming ceremony. “But from our side we can help you in every way that you need.”

“We are sure that in the future we’ll have exercises with you. Maybe, just maneuvering or maybe use of combat systems and so on,” he said.

The anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs and sea tanker Boris Butoma have a wide range of combat features. Filipinos will be allowed to tour the huge ships and Russian marines will demonstrate their combat capability during the high-profile visit, according to the Philippine navy.

Years ago I wrote that in the face of growing Chinese power, the natural response of China’s neighbors would be to coalesce back around the United States and forge deeper ties than ever. I also noted that it would take unprecedented White House incompetence to screw up that natural response.

Well.