"#MANILA, #Philippines — Senators condemned on Sunday the Chinese Coast Guard’s (#CCG) harassment against the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) and military supply ship bound for #AyunginShoal.

In separate statements, senators aired their frustration on CCG’s use of water cannon against PCG vessels delivering supplies to military troops stationed on #BRPSierraMadre in Ayungin Shoal." #SouthChinaSea

Senators condemn China’s water cannon attack in #WPS: ‘Bullying must stop’
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217339/senators-condemn-chinas-water-cannon-attack-in-wps-bullying-must-stop?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=gallery

"Video from the #Philippines showed a large Chinese Coast Guard ship spraying a much smaller Philippine boat that was attempting to deliver supplies to a garrison of Philippine marines on #SecondThomasShoal...Images from the #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG) also showed the Chinese ship moving dangerously close in front of the PCG vessels as they escorted the resupply boats" #SouthChinaSea

International backlash grows after Chinese vessel fires water cannon on Philippine boats https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/07/asia/china-philippines-coast-guard-confrontation-south-china-sea-intl-hnk/index.html

The day prior, #China called on the #Philippines to remove the #BRPSierraMadre. In response, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told reporters in Manila: “We will not abandon #AyunginShoal. We are committed to the Ayungin Shoal.” #SouthChinaSea #SecondThomasShoal

Philippines doubles down on Ayungin after China claims ‘illegal’ activities
https://www.rappler.com/nation/dfa-doubles-down-ayungin-shoal-after-china-claim-illegal-activities-august-2023/

"Global concern about #China’s naval activities is growing as the country expands and modernises its military, and shows increasing aggression in its claims over the #SouthChinaSea and #Taiwan.

Joint drills with #Russia – during which a flotilla sailed near #Alaska this weekend – have also heightened concern over military coordination between #Beijing and #Moscow." #SouthChinaSea

China-Philippines dispute could escalate into superpower conflict, say analysts
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/08/china-philippines-dispute-could-escalate-into-superpower-conflict-say-analysts

"Tensions between #China and the #Philippines are on the rise once again, with #Manila accusing the Chinese Coast Guard of using water cannon to block a Philippine military supply boat from delivering food, fuel and water to troops garrisoned on a decommissioned warship grounded on a reef in the #SouthChinaSea."

What’s behind rising China-Philippines tensions in the South China Sea?
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/9/whats-behind-rising-china-philippines-tensions-in-the-south-china-sea

"If #China succeeds in enforcing its nine-dash line claim using its new coast guard law, and if #Russia succeeds in keeping Ukrainian territory that it has invaded, then both China and Russia would be overturning and negating the foundational principle of the #UNCharter." #SouthChinaSea #PagasaIsland #AyunginShoal

[ANALYSIS] Flashpoints in the #Philippines-China relationship
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/analysis-flashpoints-philippines-china-relationship/

"#PUERTOPRINCESA, #Philippines – The Philippines is looking at several options to strengthen its hold on the disputed #SecondThomasShoal (#AyunginShoal) in the #SouthChinaSea including refurbishing a grounded and rusting warship it uses as a military outpost, a move that would likely anger #Beijing." #BRPSierraMadre #China

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-refurbishing-grounded-ship-option-strengthen-hold-ayungin-shoal/

“Yung resupply mission na yan, ‘pag dinaan mo ‘yan sa #helicopters, hindi na yan mapipigil,” Trillanes, who worked as a backdoor negotiator for President #BenignoAquino in #China, said over radio DWPM. #AyunginShoal #WPS #Philippines

Trillanes urges #AFP to use helicopters anew to supply #BRPSierraMadre
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217704/use-helicopters-anew-to-supply-brp-sierra-madre-afp-urged

'I don't know where he got his information,' Senator #JinggoyEstrada says of Roberto Tiglao's claim that it was former president Estrada who made the promise to #China to remove #BRPSierraMadre from #Ayungin. #AyunginShoal #SecondThomasShoal #WPS #SouthChinaSea

Jinggoy, JV refute Tiglao’s claim that #Erap made promise to China
https://www.rappler.com/nation/jinggoy-jv-refute-tiglao-claim-erap-made-promise-china-ayungin-shoal/

"The #NationalSecurityCouncil says internal threats pinpointed by the #Duterte administration – the #CommunistInsurgency, local #TerrorGroups, and #IllegalDrugs – are no longer priorities" #SouthChinaSea #China #Philippines

Marcos security policy focuses on threats in #WestPHSea, #Taiwan Strait
https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-jr-security-plan-focuses-external-threats-west-philippine-sea-taiwan/

"The structures, according to the senator, could serve as permanent lodging for soldiers stationed at the rusty #BRPSierraMadre, a warship intentionally grounded in the shoal in 1999 as a Philippine military outpost and now at the center of fresh tensions between #Manila and #Beijing." #Ayungin #AyunginShoal #Philippines #WestPHSea

P100-M funding sought for PH Ayungin buildup
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217872/p100-m-funding-sought-for-ph-ayungin-buildup?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

"#Locsin, who filed numerous diplomatic protests and sometimes tweeted expletives against #China, led the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at a time when the Philippine leader, #Duterte, sought closer ties with Beijing. He was Duterte’s third and longest-serving foreign secretary, steering the DFA from October 17, 2018, until Duterte’s term ended on June 30, 2022." #Philippines #ForeignAffairs

Marcos names Locsin, Duterte’s top diplomat, as special envoy to China
https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-names-teddyboy-locsin-special-envoy-china/

"#TritonIsland, which #China has controlled since 1974, is the westernmost and southernmost point of the #Paracels, almost the same distance from the Vietnamese coast and China’s island province of #Hainan.

Powell said the construction there 'will clearly make #Vietnam agitated.' #TootSEA

China appears to be building an airstrip on a disputed island in the #SouthChinaSea
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-appears-building-airstrip-disputed-island-south-china-sea-rcna100348

"The planned exercise set for Wednesday comes amid mounting tensions between #China and the #Philippines after a Chinese coast guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine military-chartered boat near the #Manila-controlled #SecondThomasShoal in the #SouthChinaSea earlier this month." #AyunginShoal

#Japan, #US, #Australia eye ship deployment to Philippines for drill
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230818/p2g/00m/0in/063000c

"The #AirAssault drills, which also involved a small contingent of American troops, were carried out as the #Philippines was making a new attempt to deliver supplies in #AyunginShoal, two weeks after one of its supply boats was prevented from doing so by #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) ships using water cannons." #WestPHSea #SecondThomasShoal #SouthChinaSea #Australia #US

PH-Aussie forces regain territory from ‘invaders’ in #Palawan mock drills
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/218141/ph-aussie-forces-regain-territory-from-invaders-in-palawan-mock-drills

“Notwithstanding attempts by #ChinaCoastGuard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships … successfully completed their supply mission,” the task force added. #AyunginShoal #BRPSierraMadre #Philippines

The task force said Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2 were escorted by #PCG vessels #BRPCabra and #BRPSindagan during the mission, while Philippine Navy ships were also on standby.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/218171/ph-coast-guards-resupply-mission-to-brp-sierra-madre-crew-successful

"On August 22, two #PCG ships escorted boats commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (#AFP) to bring supplies to #Philippine Marines stationed at the #BRPSierraMadre, a grounded ship that serves as the Philippine outpost in those waters. It was the #Philippines’ second resupply mission in August, after a routine mission on August 5 was partially stopped by #China." #AyunginShoal

PCG says nothing ‘humanitarian’ about China’s moves vs #Ayungin resupply mission
https://www.rappler.com/nation/coast-guard-nothing-humanitarian-china-moves-resupply-mission-ayungin-west-philippine-sea/

“Masyadong maliit ang P10 million kumpara halimbawa sa #DepEd na may proposed intelligence funds na P150 million. The #PCG is threatened by #China almost on a daily basis, 24/7, while the DepEd is not even facing any security threat,” #Hontiveros said. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

Hontiveros wants bigger intelligence funds for Coast Guard in 2024 budget
https://www.rappler.com/nation/hontiveros-wants-bigger-intelligence-funds-philippine-coast-guard-2024-budget/

The air, sea and land drills, the first large-scale joint exercise between #Australia and the #Philippines, simulated retaking an enemy-controlled island.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marlies said after the drills that the first joint patrols of the #SouthChinaSea by the Australian and Philippine navies would “happen soon”.

Australia, Philippines hold military drills, plan South China Sea patrols
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/26/australia-philippines-hold-military-drills-plan-south-china-sea-patrols

"#India, meanwhile, was among the countries that rejected and protested #China’s 2023 national map, in which China claimed Indian land, as well as territory being disputed by the two countries.

Interactions between China and India in disputed borders have been more violent, especially between 2020 and 2021, following clashes along the Sino-Indian border that resulted in casualties."

Indian envoy to #Philippines warns against ‘aggressive maneuvers’ in Indo-Pacific
https://www.rappler.com/nation/indian-ambassador-philippines-warns-aggressive-maneuvers-indo-pacific/

Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, the top military commander overseeing #Palawan and the country’s claims in the #WestPhilippineSea, calls the Nido observation post “the other #BRPSierraMadre,” referring to the grounded warship that serves as a military outpost in #Ayungin. #ElNido #Palawan #Philippines #WestPHSea

Troops at Nido outpost see vital role amid isolation
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/218670/troops-at-nido-outpost-see-vital-role-amid-isolation?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

Marcos on Tuesday called out “misleading narratives” that reduce disputes in the #SouthChinaSea to a mere competition between two influential nations as such claims deny #Manila’s independence and agency, and disregards its legitimate interests. #Philippines #China #US

Marcos, Harris hold talks on South China Sea, maritime cooperation
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/07/2294506/marcos-harris-hold-talks-south-china-sea-maritime-cooperation

Here we go again 🙄 #China's using smaller coast guard ships this time though. Very bad optics the last time kasi.

"On Friday morning, the #PhilippineCoastGuard escorted supply vessels to #SecondThomasShoal, also known as also known as #AyunginShoal, in the #SpratlyIslands, where a handful of troops are stationed on a crumbling navy ship, the task force said." #BRPSierraMadre

#Philippines condemns Chinese boats' 'illegal' actions in Ayungin Shoal
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/08/2294806/philippines-condemns-chinese-boats-illegal-actions-ayungin-shoal

#RozulReef, also known as #IroquoisReef, lies within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf — giving #Manila the exclusive right to explore, exploit and manage living and non-living resources within said area. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #CoralReefs

'Walang natira': AFP suspects #China behind massive coral harvesting in Rozul Reef
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/16/2296754/walang-natira-afp-suspects-china-behind-massive-coral-harvesting-rozul-reef

Defense Senior Undersecretary Ireneo Espino said the #BRPSierraMadre needs immediate repair following recent re-supply operations.

"The deterioration is faster than the supply that we do to #Ayungin. I mean mas mabilis masira,” he said. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

BRP Sierra Madre deteriorating fast, says DND official
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/20/23/brp-sierra-madre-deteriorating-fast-says-dnd-official

#PhilippineCoastGuard and fisheries bureau personnel discovered the floating barrier, estimated at 300 metres (1,000 feet) long, on a routine patrol on Friday near the shoal, locally known as #BajoDeMasinloc, Tarriela said. #ScarboroughShoal #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

#China coast guard deploys ‘floating barrier’ to cut off disputed #SouthChinaSea shoal
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/24/china-coast-guard-deploys-floating-barrier-to-cut-off-disputed-south-china-sea-shoal

#MANILA, #Philippines – Aboard a small boat and with knives in hand, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) on Monday, September 25, carried out a “special operation” to remove a floating barrier placed by the #ChineseCoastGuard at the opening of #BajoDeMasinloc or #PanatagShoal in the West Philippine Sea. #WESTPHSEA #SouthChinaSea

WATCH: PH’s ‘special operation’ to remove China’s floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc
https://www.rappler.com/nation/video-philippine-coast-guard-remove-china-barrier-bajo-de-masinloc/

#MANILA, #Philippines – The House and the Senate have agreed to reallocate confidential and #IntelligenceFunds to agencies fighting for #Fishermen’s rights, amid rising tensions in the #WestPhilippineSea.

It is unclear which agencies would lose confidential and intelligence funds because of the decision, but groups have been calling on lawmakers to realign #SecretFunds from #Marcos' and #Duterte's offices. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #BajoDeMasinloc #ScarboroughShoal

https://www.rappler.com/nation/congress-commits-reallocate-confidential-funds-agencies-protecting-west-philippine-sea/

Senator Hontiveros won this round 👍 The Duterte faction's power is fading fast.

"The confidential funds initially for Vice President and Education Secretary #SaraDuterte's offices will be redirected toward agencies at the forefront of efforts to address tensions in the #WestPhilippineSea" #PhilippineCoastGuard #BajoDeMasinloc #ScarboroughShoal #Philippines

Caving in to pressure, House to strip #Duterte-led OVP, DepEd of confidential funds
https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-strips-deped-ovp-duterte-confidential-funds-september-2023/

Note that #AUKUS is fully represented in this exercise. France is trying to expand it's #AsiaPacific presence - as is the #EU.

Maritime Training Activity #SamaSama2023 is the seventh and largest iteration of the drills as participants from #Australia, #Canada, #France, #Japan, the #UnitedKingdom and #Malaysia join the #US and the #Philippines.

US and Philippines launch military drills with partners as #China tensions mount https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/03/asia/us-philippines-naval-exercise-sama-sama-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/109990114553961194

"Romualdez said he joins the country in mourning the death of three fishermen whose boat was rammed on Monday, October 2 by #PacificAnna, a crude #OilTanker registered under the flag of the #MarshallIslands, according to the #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG)." #PanatagShoal #ScarboroughShoal #Philippines

#BajoDeMasinloc tragedy: Romualdez urges calm, lawmakers want more patrols
https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-lawmakers-reaction-bajo-de-masinloc-ramming-incident-filipino-fishing-boat-october-2023/