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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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#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/

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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

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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

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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/

A total of 126 reservists – all of whom are #Ivatan or local residents of #Batanes – would attend the graduation ceremony in #Basco town on Saturday, March 9, according to the Naval Forces Northern Luzon which is under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command.

#Philippines to deploy over 100 naval reservists in Batanes
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/227198/philippines-to-deploy-over-100-naval-reservists-to-batanes

Exactly why the #Philippines (with our many islands) & #Ukraine want it 👇
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The #Jas39Gripen came about as a result of #Sweden's #Bas90 program from the 1970s. Bas 90 required aircraft that could be quickly scrambled from such small, scattered, makeshift bases, making it much harder for an enemy to destroy Sweden's air force quickly.

Incredible Features Of The Saab Jas 39 Gripen: Sweden's Greatest Fighter Jet
https://www.slashgear.com/1327341/swedens-greatest-fighter-jet-saab-jas-39-gripen/

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Swedish ambassador to the #Philippines #AnnikaThunborg proposed the sale of up to a dozen #Gripens to #Manila when she met Defence Minister #GilbertoTeodoro Jnr in August. Manila is seeking to modernise its fighter jets at a tense time in the #SouthChinaSea. #JAS39Gripen

Joining #Nato ‘will bring opportunities’ for #Sweden’s arms makers in #AsiaPacific amid tensions with #China
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3253889/joining-nato-will-bring-opportunities-swedens-arms-makers-asia-pacific-amid-tensions-china

MSN link: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/joining-nato-will-bring-opportunities-for-sweden-s-arms-makers-in-asia-pacific-amid-tensions-with-china/ar-BB1jbVlN

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I stumbled upon the Reddit discussion below & translated the quoted Swedish article on the SEK 11.74B (krona)/ USD 1.13B/PHP 63B (peso) recent arms sale to a "secret country".

The amount roughly matches what the #Philippines budgeted for the #JAS39Gripen(s) so I think it's us. #Gripen

Doubt it's Hungary(no need for secrecy) or Ukraine (it's a sale, not a donation)

Reddit link: https://www.reddit.com/r/NonCredibleDefense/comments/1bc5cun/sweden_sold_weapons_to_a_secret_country_the_day/?rdt=48581

Source: https://omni.se/hemligt-land-koper-vapen-for-over-11-miljarder-kronor/a/l3p0ak

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The incident happened Thursday near #SandyCayReef, several kilometres from the Philippine-held #ThituIsland in the contested #SpratlyIslands.

The Filipino scientific team spent four hours at two reefs and was able to complete its mission, despite the presence of Chinese vessels and a Chinese military helicopter circling overhead. #WestPHSea #PagAsaIsland

#PhilippineCoastGuard accuses Chinese vessel of trying to block scientists
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippine-coast-guard-accuses-chinese-vessel-of-trying-to-block-scientists/ar-BB1kkMJy?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

Image source: https://maritimereview.ph/the-controversy-surrounding-sandy-cay-examining-the-public-evidence/

The Philippine military said the Saturday morning confrontation lasted for nearly an hour and took place as it sought to resupply a small garrison of sailors on board the sunken #BRPSierraMadre off #SecondThomasShoal. #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea

#Philippines accuses #China of new water cannon attacks in #SouthChinaSea
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/23/philippines-accuses-china-of-new-water-cannon-attacks-in-south-china-sea

The island is claimed by Taiwan, #China, #Vietnam & the #Philippines.
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The opposition #Kuomintang wants President #TsaiIngWen to visit #TaipingIsland in the #SouthChinaSea before she leaves office as a way of asserting #Taiwan's sovereignty

Pressure on President Tsai Ing-wen To Visit Taiping Island
https://www.taiwanplus.com/news/taiwan-news/politics/240326001/pressure-on-president-tsai-ing-wen-to-visit-taiping-island-taiwanplus-news

Image source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiping_Island

While the #US and the #Philippines have conducted joint patrols previously, this will be the first time #Japan’s navy has joined with them in doing so — a show of force designed to show #Beijing its belligerence won’t be tolerated. #WestPHSea

US-Japan-Philippines plan joint #SouthChinaSea naval patrols
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/29/us-japan-philippines-plan-joint-south-china-sea-naval-patrols-00149797

Under #EO57, the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) was renamed and reorganized into the #NationalMaritimeCouncil (#NMC) chaired by Executive Secretary #LucasBersamin.The NMC will formulate and issue guidelines for the effective implementation of EO 57 within 60 days from its effectivity. #Philippines #WestPHSea

What is EO 57, which bolsters PH #MaritimeSecurity amid #China's bullying?
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-executive-order-57-bolster-country-maritime-security-china-bullying/

The #Philippines, the #UnitedStates, #Japan, and #Australia will hold a “maritime cooperative activity” (#MCA) in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (#EEZ) on Sunday, April 7, “in support of a free and open #IndoPacific,” their defense ministers said in a joint statement. #WestPHSea

The MCA will precede a #TrilateralSummit among the Philippines, US, and Japan, which will discuss recent incidents in the #WestPhilippineSea.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/united-states-japan-australia-maritime-cooperative-activity-april-7-2024/

#China has blasted President #JoeBiden's upcoming summit with two key Pacific allies as an attempt to "cobble together exclusive groups" and inflame regional tensions.

The remark came days before U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister #FumioKishida and Philippine President #FerdinandMarcosJr. in the countries' first trilateral summit. #WestPHSea

#China Protests After #US Rallies Allies in #SouthChinaSea
https://www.newsweek.com/china-protests-after-us-rallies-allies-south-china-sea-1888283

This is huge, and it's probably going to pass with strong bipartisan support.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - On the eve of a #TrilateralSummit between the #UnitedStates, #Japan and the #Philippines, two prominent U.S. senators on Wednesday introduced a bipartisan bill to provide Manila with $2.5 billion to boost its defenses against Chinese pressure. #China #WestPHSea

Bipartisan US bill seeks $2.5 billion for Philippines defense
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bipartisan-us-bill-seeks-2-5-billion-for-philippines-defense/ar-BB1lq2zh?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

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The summit also will deal with important new infrastructure projects known as the #PGILuzon corridor.The first-ever #PGI corridor in the #IndoPacific will connect #SubicBay, #Clark, #Manila and #Batangas in the Philippines to accelerate coordinated investments in #ports, #rail, #CleanEnergy, #semiconductors, and #SupplyChains. #Japan

President #JoeBiden hosts #TrilateralSummit with #Philippines, Japanese leaders
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/04/11/trilateral-summit-Japan-Philippines/9191712840415/

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A good Forbes article on why #PGI corridors and #SupplyChains are major topics in the #TrilateralSummit. (Hint: It's also about #China) #US #Japan

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#Retail Eyes The #Philippines As Marcos And Biden Meet
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rickhelfenbein/2024/04/10/retail-eyes-the-philippines-as-marcos-and-biden-meet/?sh=726d79b235bf

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