"#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/

"#MANILA, #Philippines – In the wee hours of the morning on October 2, Monday, as its 14-man crew were fishing off the vicinity of #BajoDeMasinloc in the #WestPhilippineSea, the Filipino fishing boat #Dearyn was hit by a much larger commercial ship that was passing through the area." #ScarboroughShoal

What we know: Ship hits Filipino boat Dearyn in West Philippine Sea
https://www.rappler.com/nation/what-we-know-ship-filipino-dearyn-collision-west-philippine-sea-october-2023/

The Philippine Coast Guard should be getting a good chunk of this.

"In a statement on Tuesday, October 10, House appropriations committee chairperson Zaldy Co said a total of P1.23 billion in confidential funds were realigned to agencies at the forefront of efforts to assert the #Philippines’ territorial rights in the #WestPhilippineSea." #SouthChinaSea

House denies 2024 confidential fund requests of #OVP, #DepEd, #DA, #DICT, #DFA
https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-denies-confidential-fund-request-ovp-deped-da-dict-dfa-2024/

More multi-role fighters, more ships and maybe submarines. #China’s aggressive actions in the #WestPHSea has radically altered the modernization program. #SouthChinaSea #JAS39Gripen

AFP shifts defenses to Philippine EEZ
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211384

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/110903017436035794

Linking the Philippine Air Force Saab #JAS39Gripen multi-role fighter (MRF) thread to the #WestPHSea thread. There is a strong possibility the #Philippines will be getting more than 14 MRF's (12 Gripen C & 2 Gripen D) since that number won't be enough to cover our #EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

Note that the PAF was also considering getting F16's from the US though that proved too expensive for the original budget. Delivery time was also longer.

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111217207760266274

#China has pissed off Canada several times, it's just not us na binabastos nila.
-----
While neither Filipino and Canadian officials will say it out loud, the dark vessel detection system is an invaluable tool as the #Philippines becomes more assertive in defending its territory and asserting its claim over the #WestPhilippineSea, or parts of the #SouthChinaSea within its exclusive economic zone.

What access to #Canada’s dark vessel detection means for the Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/nation/what-access-canada-dark-vessel-means-philippines/

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a much updated & longer version of the C-130, the flying workhorses of the #AFP's logistics arm.
-----
"These C130s will surely boost our airlift capability to support #MilitaryOperations and other national development efforts to include #ReliefOperations during times of #disasters and #calamities,” said the #PhilippineAirForce in a separate statement

#Philippines pushes through with purchase of 3 new C-130 planes
https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-pushes-through-with-purchase-new-c-130-planes/

The island is located 141 km (88 mi) southeast of the southern tip of #Taiwan's main island and 98 km (61 mi) to the nearest Taiwanese island, the "Lesser Orchid Island".

For reference, a flight from Manila to Baguio is 210km(130 mi) . #EEZ

Navy inaugurates detachment on #MavulisIsland, northernmost tip of the #Philippines

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1848040/navy-inaugurates-detachment-on-mavulis-island-northernmost-tip-of-ph

In the #AFP, there are area commands, with units from the different services under its wing, and there are commands that offer support to the whole military. The #CyberGroup is one of those support units, alongside the AFP Reserve Command and Procurement Service, among others. #Philippines #cybersecurity

Brawner said he wants the Cyber Group expanded into a command so it can have more personnel and equipment.

AFP chief Brawner eyes #CyberCommand
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/afp-chief-brawner-eyes-expanded-command-cyber-warriors/

The #Philippines accused #China’s coast guard of “dangerous blocking manoeuvres” that caused it to collide with a Philippine resupply boat about 25km from #SecondThomasShoal, where the warship was deliberately run aground decades ago to underline the Philippines’ claims in the sea. #BRPSierraMadre #WestPHSea

The Philippines summons Chinese ambassador after two #SouthChinaSea collisions
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/23/china-philippines-ships-boats-collision-south-china-sea-vessels-spratly-islands

Japan & South Korea have been growing closer together. Note how both included each other's nationals in their evacuation flights from Israel recently.

#MANILA, #Philippines – Both #Japan and #SouthKorea criticized “unilateral” actions that increase tensions in the #SouthChinaSea days after #Manila and #Beijing blamed each other for two recent collision incidents close to #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea.
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-south-korea-express-concern-china-ships-collide-philippine-boats/,

During their scheduled early November summit in the #Philippines, Prime Minister #FumioKishida and President #FerdinandMarcos Jr. are expected to greenlight negotiations for a "reciprocal access agreement," facilitating the presence of visiting forces, according to sources.

It would be #Japan's first #RAA with a member of the #ASEAN and the third following the agreements with #Australia and #Britain .

#China

Japan, Philippines mull starting talks on new #SecurityPact
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231025/p2g/00m/0na/035000c

The incident was the second of two encounters the #Ottawa’s helicopter had with Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy #J11 fighter jets over international waters on October 29, which saw the fighters get as close as 100 feet from the helicopter, Millen told CNN in an interview aboard the warship. #Canada #China

Exclusive: Chinese jet fired flares close to submarine-hunting helicopter in #SouthChinaSea, Canadian Navy says | CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/canada-china-helicopter-interception-south-china-sea-hnk-intl/index.html

Image source : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenyang_J-11

Diplomacy focused on the contested waters is the latest in a series of talks leading up to #JoeBiden and #XiJinping’s meeting this month in #SanFrancisco. #China

#US, Chinese diplomats meet in Beijing to discuss maritime issues including #SouthChinaSea
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3240318/us-chinese-diplomats-meet-beijing-discuss-maritime-issues-including-south-china-sea

#MANILA, #Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) will receive five additional multi-role response vessels from #Japan within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to National Economic and Development Authority (#NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

#PHCoastGuard to receive 5 vessels from Japan
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/222343/ph-coast-guard-to-receive-5-vessels-from-japan

#Filipino and Chinese vessels engaged in a heated confrontation anew during another resupply mission in #AyunginShoal, #WestPhilippineSea on Friday, Nov. 10, with the hostilities reaching its climax when a #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) ship deployed a #watercannon against a much smaller indigenous boat chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). #BRPSierraMadre #Philippines #SouthChinaSea

China Coast Guard deploys water cannon vs PH supply boat anew
https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/9/china-coast-guard-deploys-water-cannon-vs-ph-supply-boat-anew

The #Philippines occupies nine features in the #KalayaanIsland Group (KIG) , namely: #Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, #Pagasa (Thitu) Island, #Lawak (Nanshan) Island, #Parola (Northeast Cay) Island, #Patag (Flat) Island, #Kota (Loaita) Island, #Rizal (Commodore) Reef, #Likas (West York) Island, and #Panata (Lankiam Cay) Island. #SouthChinaSea

Romualdez bares #WestPHSea development project plans | Global News
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/222457/romualdez-on-govt-plans-to-develop-other-islands-in-wps

ABOARD THE #BRPMelchoraAquino – It’s a sight to behold – perhaps not in a good way. In an area in the #WestPhilippineSea well within the #Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (#EEZ), the Philippines’ was vastly outnumbered against #China in another routine resupply mission to the #BRPSierraMadre in #AyunginShoal. #SouthChinaSea

WATCH: In Ayungin, PH Coast Guard smarts and daring trump China’s 11-ship blocking team 
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-philippine-coast-guard-china-ship-blocking-ayungin-shoal-november-10-2023/

Sen. #GracePoe, the sponsor of the #DOTr 2024 budget, said the #PCG was spending P1.7 billion yearly for fuel alone. She added that most PCG vessels were “inoperable” as these had not been maintained due to insufficient funds. #Philippines

Senate grants additional budget for #PhilippineCoastGuard | Inquirer News
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1859339/senate-gramts-additional-budget-for-philippine-coast-guard

It is rare for a head of state to visit the USINDOPACOM, and Malacañang said Marcos was the first Philippine president to set foot in the military base.

The #USINDOPACOM covers the vast #IndoPacific, including waters and airspace adjacent to the #Philippines.

#Marcos makes rare visit to US Indo-Pacific Command in #Hawaii
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-rare-visit-us-indo-pacific-command-hawaii-november-2023/

#MANILA, #Philippines – The National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday, November 21, said it “does not support” a planned December 5 civilian resupply mission to #AyunginShoal, a flashpoint for tensions between Manila and Beijing in the #WestPhilippineSea. #BRPSierraMadre #SecondThomasShoal

#NationalSecurit Council thumbs down civilian #Christmas convoy to #Ayungin
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/national-security-council-thumbs-down-civilian-christmas-convoy-ayungin-shoal/