Inaugurated on Friday, the new three-storey facility is equipped with state-of-the art technology such as #radar, #AutomaticIdentification, #SatelliteCommunication, and coastal cameras, the Philippine coast guard said in a statement. #Manila's outpost of Thitu is its biggest and most strategically important in the #SouthChinaSea, largely claimed by Beijing. #KalayaanIsland #WestPHSea

#Philippines builds new coast guard station on island in South China Sea
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippines-builds-new-coast-guard-station-on-island-in-south-china-sea/ar-AA1kPOcd?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

The #Philippines currently has two active #VFAs: one with the #UnitedStates which was ratified by the Senate in 1999 and with #Australia which was signed in 2007 but was ratified and took effect only in 2012.

The VFA with #Japan is in the works.

PH, #France eye VFA, deeper defense ties
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/223786/ph-france-eye-vfa-deeper-defense-ties?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

#MANILA, #Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) on Sunday said it has monitored “more than 135” suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMM) in #JulianFelipeReef, a substantial increase compared to the previous month. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #China

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/223807/pcg-monitors-over-135-chinese-maritime-militia-vessels-in-julian-felipe-reef

#MANILA, #Philippines— The Chinese vessels in #JulianFelipeReef appear to be unmanned, being left as a territorial demarcation, according to #NationalSecurityCouncil (NSC) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on Monday.

This came after a total of 135 Chinese vessels were monitored in the Julian Felipe Reef in the #WestPhilippineSea over the weekend. #WestPHSea

Chinese vessels seen in Julian Felipe Reef are unmanned
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/223837/chinese-vessels-seen-in-julian-felipe-reef-are-unmanned-says-nsc-spox

#MANILA, #Philippines – Over 40 volunteers composed mostly of youth and student leaders arrived in #ElNido, #Palawan, on Saturday, December 9, in line with the three-day #ChristmasConvoy civilian supply mission to the #WestPhilippineSea that will begin on Saturday, December 10.

The volunteers, who also include fisherfolk representatives, among others, arrived in El Nido from #Manila, aboard the TS Kapitan Felix Oca that had been loaded with donations and supplies.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/photos-volunteers-civilian-christmas-convoy-ayungin-arrives-palawan-december-9-2023/

In a statement, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) said #ChineseCoastGuard (CCG) ships used water cannons against the vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (#BFAR) namely Datu Sanday, Datu Bankaw, and Datu Tamblot near #BajoDeMasinloc (#Scarborough Shoal). The three BFAR ships are civilian vessels. #Philippines #SouthChinaSea

#China fires water cannon at Filipino ships in #WestPHSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-fires-water-cannon-filipino-ships-west-philippine-sea-december-2023/

#MANILA, #Philippines — A group of #Filipino civilians will embark in a historic journey in Philippine waters — they will sail to the #WestPhilippineSea to assert the country’s control over our own waters.

Organized by #AtinIto coalition, the program will begin on Sunday, December 10.

What you need to know: Atin Ito's #ChristmasConvoy to #WestPHSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-atin-ito-christmas-convoy-west-philippine-sea/

The #ChristmasConvoy had initially planned to first visit the vicinity of #SecondThomasShoal(#AyunginShoal) but David said it had changed its route in response to Sunday’s incident, and would instead proceed directly to the islands of #Lawak and #Patag to drop off donations. #WestPhilippineSea #AtinIto

Santa ‘won’t be bullied’: #Philippines festive convoy sets off for waters disputed with #China | #SouthChinaSea | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/10/filipino-volunteers-send-santa-convoy-to-cheer-up-isles-disputed-by-bully-china

The #Philippines is using a recently installed Japanese-made air-surveillance radar system at #WallaceAirStation in San Fernando City to monitor activity off its coast. It says it will share data from the radar with Tokyo to strengthen their security relationship. #SouthChinaSea #China #WestPhilippineSea

Philippines watches disputed waters with #Japan-made radar | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231220_33/

Located at a #PhilippineAirForce (PAF) base here, the Japanese-built air surveillance radar system (#ASRS) was formally turned over to the PAF in simple ceremonies held on Wednesday.

The #WallaceAirStation, a former US air base, has been without any capability to detect intrusions since 2015 after it retired its #US-made air surveillance radars that had been in use since the 1950s. #Philippines #WestPHSea #Japan

PAF acquires sharper eye for threats in WPS
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/224662/paf-acquires-sharper-eye-for-threats-in-wps?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

#MANILA, #Philippines – Foreign ministers of Southeast Asia’s regional bloc Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN) on Saturday, December 30, expressed their concern over growing tensions in the #SouthChinaSea which they said could threaten regional peace and urged for peaceful dialogue among parties. #SoutheastAsia #TootSEA

ASEAN foreign ministers express concern over South China Sea tensions
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/asean-foreign-ministers-express-concern-south-china-sea-tensions/

Footage shared by state broadcaster CCTV and the Chinese military on Thursday showed what they called "live fire drills" taking place over the sea.

One video, shared by the Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command, showed jets taking off and firing missiles that then struck targets.

The drills coincided with a two-day exercise by the #US and the #Philippines in the disputed waters, involving an aircraft carrier strike group led by the #USSCarlVinson. #SouthChinaSea

https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240104-china-and-us-hold-rival-military-drills-in-disputed-south-china-sea

#MANILA, #Philippines – Two Chinese navy vessels shadowed Philippine and US ships conducting joint patrols in the #SouthChinaSea, the Philippine military said on Thursday, January 4 as tensions flare in the region over disputed territorial claims.

The two-day maritime exercises involving Manila and #Washington, were the second in less than two months in the #WestPhilippineSea – within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (#EEZ). #China

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/chinese-vessels-shadow-philippine-united-states-ships/

#MANILA, #Philippines – The Philippines will develop islands in the #SouthChinaSea that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for troops, #Manila’s military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters on Monday, January 15. #WestPHSea

Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – Brawner
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-develop-islands-south-china-sea/

Defense Secretary #GilbertoTeodoro Jr. on Tuesday night again condemned #China’s latest act of aggression against #FilipinoFishermen in the resource-rich #ScarboroughShoal, locally known as #BajoDeMasinloc, which is within Manila’s 270-kilometer exclusive economic zone.

Teodoro said China “has no business harassing Filipino fishermen” after a video showed local fisherfolk being driven away by the Chinese coast guard. #Philippines
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/225718/defense-chief-scores-harassment-of-pinoy-fishers

China has deployed at least 50 maritime militia ships at #PanganibanReef (#MischiefReef) ahead of another mission to resupply Filipino troops on a decrepit World War II-era ship serving as the #Philippines’ outpost at the nearby #AyunginShoal (#SecondThomasShoal) , according to an American maritime expert. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #BRPSierraMadre

Expert: #China has placed 50 ships ahead of PH mission
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/225749/expert-china-has-placed-50-ships-ahead-of-ph-mission

The #Philippines signed an P18.9-billion deal with #BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd.—an Indian-Russian joint venture—in January 2022 for three batteries of the cruise missiles as part the #PhilippineNavy’s shore-based #AntishipMissile system project. #WestPHSea

PH to get supersonic missiles soon – #India envoy
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/225785/ph-to-get-supersonic-missiles-soon-india-envoy

image source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrahMos

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111684145841842974

The two Southeast Asian countries have competing claims over some parts of the #SouthChinaSea, a conduit for $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade that #China claims almost in its entirety. #SoutheastAsia #ASEAN #WestPHSea

#Vietnam, #Philippines seal deals on South China Sea security
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/cooperation-deals-with-vietnam-south-china-sea-security/

#MANILA, #Philippines — The Philippines will get a delivery of supersonic missiles by March, according to #NationalSecurityCouncil (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya on Friday.

In an ambush interview in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Malaya said that the ground system for the #BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles will arrive in February. #WestPHSea

PH to receive supersonic missiles by March, says Malaya
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1898388/ph-to-receive-supersonic-missiles-by-march-says-malaya

Back toot : https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111837081224333802

Filipino bishops rebuked #China in a rare statement about the #WestPhilippineSea dispute, and said it is “morally permissible” to take refuge in “the friendship of allies” if diplomacy fails.

The statement was an exceptional instance when bishops in the #Philippines, a predominantly #Catholic country, spoke out on foreign policy. #WestPHSea #CatholicChurch

Filipino bishops hit China in sea row, say ‘allies’ needed if diplomacy fails
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/filipino-bishops-statement-china-west-philippine-sea-dispute/

The #BashiChannel between those islands and #Taiwan is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western #Pacific and the contested #SouthChinaSea. The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, Taiwan's defence ministry has said. #China #WestPHSea

#Philippines to boost military presence in islands facing #Taiwan
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippines-to-boost-military-presence-in-islands-facing-taiwan/ar-BB1hU2oF?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

Earlier, the PCG said that its X account had been “compromised.”

Posts on the PCG’s X page and its reply tabs were empty, although the “like” reactions were kept – however, most of the “likes” came from a particular account promoting cryptocurrency. #Philippines #WestPHSea #PHCoastGuard #CyberSec

PCG regains X page after hack
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1904814/fwd-break-pcgs-x-page-now-retrieved

The Philippines is close to sealing a deal with Sweden to acquire a squadron of 12 multi-role fighters worth 61 billion pesos, a defense spokesman said on Friday.

Director Arsenio Andolong said both sides are expected to sign an agreement by next month in Sweden. #JAS39Gripen

MULTI-ROLE FIGHTERS (#MRF): #Philippines, #Sweden discuss multi-role fighter acquisition

https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/multi-role-fighters-philippines-sweden-discuss-multi-role-fighter-acquisition

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111217370519906131

The #Philippines will take “decisive action” in securing its traditional fishing grounds at #PanatagShoal/ #ScarboroughShoal amid growing Chinese aggression in the #WestPhilippineSea.

Vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (#BFAR) will be taking turns securing the shoal for Filipino fishermen. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #China

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/557194/west-philippine-sea-guard-ph-shoal-fishers-with-frequent-patrols

A brief update on the #Philippines: we'll be getting *both* #JAS39Gripen (s) & #F16 (s).
-----
Because of #Beijing’s massive defence build-up in the region, #SoutheastAsia air forces are ordering new equipment and eyeing more potent capabilities.

#China has built air bases on #FieryCrossReef and #SubiReef in the #SpratlyIslands, as well as two in the #ParacelIslands, which are contested with #Vietnam. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/southeast-asias-fixed-wing-combat-fleet-set-for-growth/156162.article

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111943407346199928

This is not just about money. There's no love lost between #India and #China so China taking control of the #SouthChinaSea is absolutely not in India's interest. #WestPHSea

India is aiming to become a key player in the #Philippines’ military capability upgrade as it seeks to promote itself as a major arms exporter in the region.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226226/india-eyes-key-role-in-ph-military-modernization-plan

The Philippine government said on Monday, February 19, that it would “validate and investigate” reports from Filipino #fisherfolk of their foreign counterparts using #cyanide to fish in #BajoDeMasinloc, a shoal that’s supposed to be a shared fishing ground for several nationalities. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

Cyanide in #Scarborough? PH says it would probe, #China says ‘disinfo’
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/cyanide-scarborough-shoal-philippines-china/

Philippine #FA50 fighter jets and a US #B52 bomber plane flew together over the #SouthChinaSea on Monday, more than a week after their navies held joint maritime exercises in the face of simmering tensions over territorial claims in the area. #WestPHSea

Philippines' joint air patrol with US to 'protect territory'
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/joint-air-patrol-with-us-protect-territory/

The #Philippines is doubling down on efforts to preserve its sovereignty in the disputed waters while preparing for contingencies in nearby #Taiwan.

As such #Manila is stepping up its acquisition of increasingly high-end military equipment while expanding sophisticated military exercises with partners including the #US, #Japan and #Australia. #WestPHSea #China

https://asiatimes.com/2024/02/philippines-arming-up-for-d-day-with-china/

The Senate approved on second reading a measure specifying the rights and entitlements of #Filipinos over the country’s maritime zones, including underwater features.

Tolentino, chair of the Senate special committee on maritime and admiralty zones, said #SB2492, which he wrote, would make the country compliant with the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (#Unclos). #WestPHSea

Senate passes PH maritime zones bill
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1908775/senate-passes-ph-maritime-zones-bill

It took #BFAR’s vessel up to 2 hours to break free from the blocking Chinese vessels and proceed to the #BajoDeMasinloc to distribute aid to 44 Filipino fishing boats moored there.

The #BRPDatuSanday then anchored 200 meters from the shoreline of Bajo de Masinloc, the nearest it has reached since its rotational deployment. #WestPHSea #Philippines

#China again tries to block PH vessel on resupply mission to Bajo de Masinloc
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/898506/china-again-tries-to-block-ph-vessel-on-resupply-mission-to-bajo-de-masinloc/story/

Satellite images of the hotly disputed #ScarboroughShoal in the #SouthChinaSea show a new floating barrier across its entrance, near where Philippine ships and #China coast guard vessels have had frequent run-ins.

The satellite image bolsters a report and video distributed by the #PCG on Sunday showing two Chinese coast guard inflatable boats deploying floating barriers at the shoal's entrance on Feb 22. #Philippines #WestPHSea

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/exclusive-satellite-images-reveal-floating-barrier-at-mouth-of-disputed-atoll-in-south-china-sea/ar-BB1iTmlk

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111987054196523481

#MANILA, #Philippines – Shadowing and blocking maneuvers by #China in the #WestPhilippineSea are nothing new for personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG), nor for Philippine journalists who are practically regulars in missions to those waters as part of the government’s “transparency initiative.” #WestPHSea #ScarboroughShoal

View from Manila: #Beijing bristles at media presence in #BajoDeMasinloc
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/beijing-china-bristles-at-media-presence-bajo-de-masinloc/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111996896278382674

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (#BFAR) reported that a gray helicopter with Chinese markings was seen in the area.

“This is the first time na mayroon tayong nakita na Chinese aircraft patrolling over the airspace of #BajoDeMasinloc in the recent time,” said #PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela. #Philippines #WestPHSea #China

Chinese aircraft spotted over #ScarboroughShoal
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226565/fwd-china-aircraft-in-scs

This should be #ASEAN's job but it's hopelessly gridlocked on #MaritimeSecurity.
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Geopolitical experts and envoys have proposed a triangular cooperation among #Philippines, #Japan, and #India, for the advancement of peace and stability in the #IndoPacific region.

According to Ambassador of India to the Philippines Shambu Kumaran, the three countries should work together in the aspect of maritime domains and security. #WestPHSea

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226731/ph-japan-india-cooperation-urged-to-boost-indo-pacific-stability

The #BRPGabrielaSilang sailed for a two-week mission in #BenhamRise & Batanes following reported presence of China Coast Guard ships in the area.

The 84-meter offshore patrol vessel (#OPV) will patrol the waters there to conduct #MaritimeDomainAwareness and monitor local fishermen, signaling intensified #PCG presence in #NorthernLuzon. #Philippines #EastPHSea

PCG deploys one of its biggest vessels to Benham Rise

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226798/pcg-deploys-one-of-its-biggest-vessels-to-benham-rise#ixzz8TTGWylOd

Benham Rise:
https://philippineterritory.blogspot.com/p/benham-rise.html?m=1

The #PhilippineNavy on Sunday said that the Chinese research vessels seen in the waters surrounding #BenhamRise or #PhilippineRise located in the #EastPhilippineSea are now outside the country’s exclusive economic zone (#EEZ).

Previously the Chinese vessels left from #LongxueIsland in #Guangzhou before moving through Benham Rise, which is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. #EastPHSea #China

https://manilastandard.net/news/314422414/china-vessels-leave-benham-navy.html

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112035169658367399

On Monday, #PCG deployed one of its biggest vessels, the #BRPGabrielaSilang, to the northeast corner of the resource-rich submerged landmass inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (#EEZ) for a two-week mission. #EastPHSea #China

No sightings of Chinese ship in #Philippine Rise, says PCG
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/227391/no-sightings-of-chinese-ship-in-philippine-rise-says-pcg

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112035348789518273

The 100-million-ton oil field is located in the #PearlRiverBasin near #China's #Guangdong Province, state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (#CNOOC) said in a press release on Friday. The #KaipingSouthOilfield is China's first deep-water and deep-play oilfield with proved in-place volume over 100 million tons.

Chinese Gas Giant Finds New Oilfield in #SouthChinaSea
https://www.newsweek.com/china-gas-giant-finds-new-oifield-south-china-sea-1877155

The #Philippines has signed or entered discussions over new #SecurityAgreements with at least 18 countries since a Chinese coast guard vessel flashed a military-grade laser at a Philippine coast guard ship in the #SouthChinaSea last year, according to the Philippine Defense Department. #WestPHSea

Philippines strikes security deals as tensions rise with #China at sea
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/09/philippines-south-china-sea-security/