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/
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
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)
Source: https://omni.se/hemligt-land-koper-vapen-for-over-11-miljarder-kronor/a/l3p0ak
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/
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. creates the National Maritime Council because the country 'continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country's territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos'
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.
The maritime cooperative activity to be held in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone will demonstrate the countries' 'collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific'
#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
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/
President Joe Biden Thursday is hosting the first-ever trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidan and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to strengthen strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
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
Unlike in Japan's neighbor #SouthKorea, where U.S. and South Korean troops can operate under a unified command of a four-star general, U.S. air, land and sea forces in Japan are currently subordinate to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Washington will now consider appointing a four-star commander in Japan, laying the groundwork for a future unified Japanese-U.S. command. #TrilateralSummit
What #US-#Japan defense shakeup involves and why
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/explainer-what-us-japan-defense-shakeup-involves-and-why/ar-BB1lpPZA?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01
Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112253280123403873
Rappler's updates on the #TrilateralSummit here:
LIVE UPDATES: Marcos at the 1st US-Philippines-Japan trilateral summit
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/updates-marcos-jr-philippines-united-states-japan-trilateral-summit-april-2024/
"#China’s frequent tactic is to try to isolate the target of its pressure campaigns, but the April 11 trilateral signals clearly that the #Philippines is not alone,” said Daniel Russel, who served as the top US diplomat for #EastAsia under former President #BarackObama. #WestPHSea #TrilateralSummit
#Biden warns on Beijing's #SouthChinaSea moves in #Philippines-#Japan summit
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/biden-warn-beijing-south-china-sea-moves-philippines-japan-summit/
Japanese Prime Minister #FumioKishida, US President #JoeBiden, and Philippines President #FerdinandMarcosJr. unveiled a wide range of agreements to enhance #security and #economic ties during meetings held at the White House this week. #TrilateralSummit #MilitaryUpgrades #AUKUS #SouthChinaSea #Cloud #AI #NuclearFusion #Space
LIST: #US, #Japan, #Philippines strike deals on #defense, #investment at leaders' summit
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/united-states-japan-philippines-deals-trilateral-leaders-summit-april-2024/
The #SouthChinaSea divides the #Philippines and Chinese mainland, while the #EastChinaSea is located between #Japan and #China.
The two bodies of water have been the setting of China’s growing aggressive maritime actions. #TrilateralSummit
#US, #Japan, #PH express ‘serious concern’ over China actions in #AyunginShoal, #SenkakuIslands
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/united-states-japan-manila-serious-concern-china-ayungin-shoal-senkaku-islands/
#Duterte’s silence over the issue amid the #Marcos administration’s strong condemnation of a series of Chinese actions in the #WestPhilippineSea has further fueled the observed split of the #Uniteam, the 2022 election coalition that led the Marcos-Duterte tandem to victory.
Marcos defends #SaraDuterte’s silence on #China aggression in #WestPHSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-defends-sara-duterte-silence-china-aggression-sea-dispute/
A second reliable source cites the same number of MRFs to be purchased and the same two primary candidates - Sweden's #Jas39Gripen & the US #F16. This is the first one that mentions #India's #HALTejas which is technically a Light Combat Aircraft or #LCA (like our FA-50), it's not an #MRF.
The news is supposed to be officially announced soon.
#Philippines Eyes Acquisition of 40 New Multirole Fighters, F16, Gripen and LCA-Tejas in Race
https://idrw.org/philippines-eyes-acquisition-of-40-new-multirole-fighters-f-16-gripen-and-lca-tejas-in-race/#more-338026
The annual #Balikatan (“shoulder-to-shoulder”) drills will involve 16,700 soldiers simulating retaking enemy-occupied islands in areas facing #Taiwan and the #SouthChinaSea.
The military exercises will be the first to be held outside #Philippines’ territorial waters, and come amid a rise in tensions in the South China Sea. #France #Balikatan2024
#China sounds warning after Philippines and #US announce most expansive military drills yet
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/18/china-warning-balikatan-exercise-2024-philippines-us-military-drills
The #Philippines is taking delivery of the anti-ship missile systems at a time when tensions between them and #China have escalated owing to frequent clashes in the #SouthChinaSea. The three batteries of the #BrahMos missile system would be deployed by the Philippines in their coastal areas to guard against any threat in the region. #WestPHSea
Watch: BrahMos Cruise Missile Delivered To Philippines - A 1st For #India
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-brahmos-cruise-missile-delivered-to-philippines-a-1st-for-india-5477274
I had the feeling that the Indian officials offering sweets to the Philippine #MarineCorps officers on the delivery of the #BrahMos missile to the #Philippines had a special cultural significance 😊
Sweets in #India's culture : https://indianculture.com/the-cultural-significance-of-indian-sweets/#Sweets_as_a_symbol_of_good_luck
Discover the cultural significance and rich history of Indian sweets on IndianCulture.com. Dive into the flavors, techniques, and symbolism that make these treats more than just desserts. Indulge in the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture.
The #Brahmos supersonic missile is the product of a joint venture between #India & #Russia, with a 50.5% Indian and 49.5% Russian partnership. This means Russia had a major say in approving it's sale to the #Philippines.
Ironically, in a worst case scenario, the BrahMos could end up embedded in a Chinese warship 🤷🏻♂️
India-Russia joint venture hopes for $5 bln in supersonic missile exports by 2025
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-russia-joint-venture-hopes-5-bln-supersonic-missile-exports-by-2025-2022-10-18/
The first batch of the #ExportVariant of #India’s #BrahMos supersonic #CruiseMissile arrived in the #Philippines on Friday. From bolstering relations with #Manila to sending a positive signal to other potential buyers, here’s why this development is crucial. #SouthChinaSea #IndoPacific
India delivers first batch of BrahMos missiles and launchers to Philippines: Why this is a big deal
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/brahmos-missile-system-export-delivery-philippines-significance-13761341.html
The first batch of the export variant of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile arrived in the Philippines on Friday. From bolstering relations with Manila to sending a positive signal to other potential buyers, here’s why this development is crucial
To wrap this #Brahmos minithread up, the sole reason why the #Philippines is even considering acquiring the #HalTejas is that the Brahmos-NG (New Generation) is coming soon. Among the improvements is a substantial decrease in weight which enables a light combat aircraft (#LCA) like the #Tejas to carry two of them.
The #US, #Sweden and #SouthKorea don't have operational supersonic cruise missiles so the #F16/ #Gripen/ #FA50 can't give us that capability.
The first batch of the #ExportVariant of #India’s #BrahMos supersonic #CruiseMissile arrived in the #Philippines on Friday. From bolstering relations with #Manila to sending a positive signal to other potential buyers, here’s why this development is crucial. #SouthChinaSea #IndoPacific India delivers first batch of BrahMos missiles and launchers to Philippines: Why this is a big deal https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/brahmos-missile-system-export-delivery-philippines-significance-13761341.html Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112298396279473319
Nearly 17,000 Filipino and American troops will begin a three-week joint combat training exercise in the #Philippines on Monday involving #MaritimeDrills in the #SouthChinaSea where #Manila and #Beijing have sparred over #MaritimeBorders.
#France and #Australia will join the maritime exercises to be conducted for the first time outside Philippine territorial waters. #Balikatan2024 #WestPHSea
PH, #US troops begin annual combat drills
https://www.reuters.com/world/philippines-us-troops-begin-annual-combat-drills-2024-04-22/
At a naval conference in #Qingdao on Monday, #ZhangYouxia, vice-chairman of the #CentralMilitaryCommission, said the sea should not be an arena in which countries can flex their “gunboat muscles”.
Beijing repeatedly says it pursues dialogue to resolve maritime disputes in the #SouthChinaSea, but makes clear this is largely on its own terms. #China #Balikatan2024
Beijing warns against flexing of ‘gunboat muscles’ as #US and #Philippines begin military drills
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/22/us-philippines-military-drills-balikatan
For the first time ever, the #PhilippineCoastGuard will be part of the yearly drills, for a multilateral maritime exercise off the coast of #Palawan, in the #WestPhilippineSea.
#Rappler reporter #BeaCupin previews what will be happening in the comings weeks, and why it matters as tensions in the #SouthChinaSea heat up. #WestPHSea #Balikatan2024
Rappler Recap: PH, US troops flex ability to work together in 'most ambitious' Balikatan
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/recap-united-states-troops-flex-ability-work-together-balikatan-2024/
#MANILA, #Philippines – The navies of the #Philippines, #UnitedStates, and #France will sail together in the #WestPhilippineSea by end-April, as part of the 2024 Exercise #Balikatan. The joint exercises will be hosted in four #Luzon provinces that are critical to regional security in the #IndoPacific and #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea
View from Manila: West Philippine Sea part of 'most ambitious, complicated' #Balikatan2024 war games
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/view-from-manila-balikatan-war-games-west-sea/
According to the Armed Forces of the #Philippines, the three #warships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy were seen on Monday in the vicinity of #PagAsa Island, about 500 km west of #Palawan, and #Lawak and #Patag Islands, which are about 300 kilometers west of the province. #WestPHSea #Balikatan2024
#AFP spots 124 #China vessels around WPS ahead of ‘Balikatan’
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/233110/afp-spots-124-china-vessels-around-wps-ahead-of-balikatan
Half of our FA50 fighter fleet, this must mean the new fighter jets are coming in soon since we'll be expected to keep this up yearly.
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In a press conference, PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said four to six aircraft and around 150 personnel will be deployed as the country's contingent to #ExercisePitchBlack in #Australia. #Philippines
#PhilippineAirForce to send aircraft to international exercise for first time
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904513/philippine-air-force-to-send-aircraft-to-international-exercise-for-first-time/story/
The activity, which is part of the #Balikatan2024 war games, will see the navies of #Manila, #Washington, and #Paris conduct various drills, including #gunnery exercises and maritime #SearchAndRescue.
This comes as a substantial increase in the number of Chinese vessels was monitored in the #WestPhilippineSea. #China
#Philippines, #US, #France start joint patrols in #WestPHSea
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/233383/philippines-us-france-start-joint-patrols-in-west-ph-sea
There has been relative calm in the #TaiwanStrait since the #Biden-#Xi summit, after a period of high tension in which Chinese warships and planes would regularly approach #Taiwan. At the same time however, there has been increasing friction in the #SouthChinaSea between #China and neighbouring countries, particularly the #Philippines, a #US ally. #WestPHSea
China foreign minister tells #Blinken relations with the US could slip into ‘downward spiral’
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/26/antony-blinken-beijing-visiit-china-us-relations-foreign-minister-wang-yi
Been waiting for #Rappler to cover this.
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The #BrahMos aren’t the only mid-range missile systems on Philippine soil in April 2024.
In mid-April, the #UnitedStates’ 1st Multi-Domain Task Force deployed the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system to Northern #Luzon for military exercises. #Balikatan2024
#India-made BrahMos missiles are finally in the #Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/india-russia-made-brahmos-missiles-april-2024/
The #Philippines’ #BRPDavaoDelSur and #BRPRamonAlcaraz, #US landing ship #USSHarpersFerry, and #FrenchFrigate #Vendémiaire will be spending five days at sea for communications exercises, cross-deck landing, division tactics, photo exercise, and maritime search and rescue drills. #France
IN PHOTOS: PH, US, French navies hold maritime drills during #Balikatan2024
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/photos-united-states-french-navies-maritime-exercise-balikatan-2024/
The #MobileRadar is the second unit of the four long-range surveillance radars from #Japan, three of them are fixed, ordered by the Department of National Defense under a P5.5-billion government-to-government deal.
In December last year, the #PAF received the first fixed radar installed at the #WallaceAirStation in #SanFernando City in #LaUnion. #WestPHSea
#Philippines to get next week it's second new radar system
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/233535/ph-to-get-next-week-new-radar-system
Image source: https://www.phdefresource.com/2020/01/air-surveillance-radar-phase-2.html?m=1
#Beijing, based on the report, budgeted over $296 billion for its military in 2023, a 6% increase from its spending the year prior. The figure represents 12% of the world’s military expenditures and over 50% of the #Asia and #Oceania region.The figures are estimates of #SIPRI, as #China’s publicly declared military budget is much lower. #TootSEA #Philippines
Study: China's military expenses driving up other Asian countries' spending, too
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/study-china-military-expenses-driving-up-asian-countries-spending/
#Japan’s TPS-P14ME or a mobile-type long-range air surveillance radar is now in #CampAguinaldo in #QuezonCity.
Manufactured by #Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, the #TPSP14ME provides high-resolution surveillance of air and surface targets like #aircraft, #drones, and #MaritimeVessels, according to the #PhilippineAirForce (PAF).
New mobile radar system from Japan arrives in #Philippines
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/233806/new-mobile-radar-system-from-japan-arrives-in-philippines
Old article on the arrival of the first of 3 static radars from #Japan. We were wide open before then.
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The #WallaceAirStation, a former US air base in #SanFernandoCity(#LaUnion), 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 1950 - until now. #JFPS3ME
#Philippines acquires Japan-built radar system to bolster #WestPHSea defense
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/546638/ph-acquires-japan-built-radar-system-to-bolster-wps-defense
#MANILA, #Philippines – The China Coast Guard on Tuesday, April 30, used water cannons against two Philippine vessels in #BajoDeMasinloc (#ScarboroughShoal), a feature some 100 nautical miles off the coast off the coast Zambales.
#PCG reports damage after #China uses #WaterCannons in Bajo de Masinloc
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/coast-guard-ship-damaged-china-water-cannons-scarborough-shoal/
The defense chief’s remarks come as three Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons at two Philippine vessels near #ScarboroughShoal on Tuesday in yet another example of #China’s game plan to counter the #Philippines’ growing assertiveness in the disputed waters. #BajoDeMasinloc #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea
Philippines Weighs New Strategy to Counter China’s Sea Actions
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-30/philippines-weighs-new-strategy-to-counter-china-s-sea-actions
The Philippines is weighing a new approach in the South China Sea where increasing encounters with Beijing have damaged its vessels and injured its crew, according to its defense chief who signaled that he wants maritime operations to be “less telegraphic.”
It's not just about us and the #WestPHSea.
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The environmental survey was "forced to halt" after a Chinese ship approached and "researchers deemed the situation dangerous". Two Japan Coast Guard patrol ships were said to have blocked the Chinese vessel's approach. #Senkaku
The #Senkakus are a group of uninhabited features administered by #Japan but claimed by #China.
China and Japan Face Off at Strategic Islands
https://www.newsweek.com/japan-survey-senkaku-diaoyu-islands-china-embassy-protest-1895874
Teodoro made the statement a day after the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Manila claimed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (#Wescom), supposedly with the approval of the Philippine defense chief himself, had agreed on a “new model” in relation to #AyunginShoal (#SecondThomasShoal) earlier this year. #Philippines #WestPHSea
'This charade must stop': #GiboTeodoro denies 'new model' with #China on Ayungin Shoal
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/gibo-teodoro-statement-china-claim-new-model-ayungin-shoal-may-5-2024/
'I am issuing this statement to generate awareness on this clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ,' says the Philippine defense chief
The Chinese air force #J10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of an Australian #MH60RSeahawk helicopter on a routine flight on Saturday.
The helicopter, flying from destroyer #HMASHobart, dodged the flares. The confrontation put the aircraft and those on board at risk, although no one was hurt, #Australia's defence department said.
#China says its military took necessary steps to warn Australia in jet incident
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/china-says-its-military-took-necessary-steps-to-warn-australia-in-jet-incident/ar-BB1lX2If?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01
#SYDNEY, #Australia – Australian Prime Minister #AnthonyAlbanese said on Tuesday, May 7, it was unacceptable for Australian defence personnel to be put at risk in international airspace by the Chinese military as they took part in an operation to enforce #UnitedNations sanctions on #NorthKorea.
Australian PM Albanese says China military air incident unacceptable
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-says-china-military-air-incident-unacceptable/
#China, over the past month, has been insisting that the #Philippines reneged on an agreement to manage tensions in Ayungin Shoal, a feature within the PH exclusive economic zone.
Carlos was appointed to the post in January 2022 by former president #RodrigoDuterte, just five months before his presidential term ended. #WESCOM #WestPHSea
Philippine naval commander goes on leave as #Beijing insists on 'new model' deal with PH
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/naval-commander-takes-a-leave-as-beijing-insists-on-new-deal-with-philippines/
Voyages to contested or disputed areas in the #WestPhilippineSea – the vicinity of #AyunginShoal, #PagasaIsland, or even #PanatagShoal which is under the #NorthernLuzonCommand – must be first approved by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, which is headed by Año in his capacity as the National Security Adviser. #Philippines
#China ups ante, says it has audio recording of ‘new deal’ arrangement with PH Wescom chief
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-claim-audio-recording-new-deal-arrangement-ayungin-shoal-west-commander/
The National Security Adviser #EduardoAno was referring to a news report this week of an alleged leak of a call between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral discussing a dispute over the #SouthChinaSea, which carried a transcript that showed the admiral agreeing to concessions towards #China. #WestPHSea
#Philippines calls for Chinese diplomats to be expelled for disinformation
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippines-calls-for-chinese-diplomats-to-be-expelled-for-disinformation/ar-BB1m8nEw?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&cvid=c1cc5f4801474fa5bbff2a129c5bf554&ei=73&PC=EMMX01
The live fire exercises were held throughout the week along the shores of the coastal city of #Laoag in northern Ilocos province, the closest mainland Philippine province to #China.
They capped the largest ever #Balikatan, or “shoulder-to-shoulder,” joint military exercises between US and Philippine troops, cementing a dramatic policy shift. #Balikatan2024
#Philippines, #US simulate mock invasions in largest ever war games
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/9/philippines-us-simulate-mock-invasions-in-largest-ever-war-games
Emerging alliance expected to undertake more maritime exercises and provide greater security help to the #Philippines in its #SouthChinaSea claims.
The #Squad would complement #Quad and lead to a more ‘versatile power distribution’ where responsibilities are shared, analyst notes. #WestPHSea
New ‘Squad’ bloc could allow Philippines to ‘borrow strength’ of #Australia, #Japan, #US to counter #China
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3261905/new-squad-bloc-could-allow-philippines-borrow-strength-australia-japan-us-counter-china
#PhilippineCoastGuard spokesperson Commodore #JayTarriela told a forum there had been “small-scale reclamation” of the #SabinaShoal, which Manila calls #Escoda, and that #China was “the most probable actor.”
China has carried out extensive land reclamation on some islands in the #SouthChinaSea, building air force and other military facilities,.
#Philippines sends ships to disputed atoll where China building 'artificial island'
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/sends-ships-disputed-atoll-china-building-artificial-island/
As tensions rise throughout the #SouthChinaSea, energy demands are drawing #Malaysia deeper into the fray and testing the country’s long-standing reluctance to antagonize #China.
Since 2020, China has been harassing Malaysian drilling rigs and survey vessels, leading to standoffs that have lasted months.
Malaysia’s appetite for #oil and #gas puts it on collision course with China
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/11/china-malaysia-south-china-sea/
🔗Kasawari Gas Field: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/4/25/malaysian-energy-needs-clash-with-china-claims-in-south-china-sea
The #Philippines acquired another floating asset that could assist vessels in the #WestPhilippineSea.
According to Ian Cruz’s Saturday report on “24 Oras Weekend”, the #OceanTugboat, equipped with #WaterCannons with which to fight fires, was purchased by a government agency that was yet to be named by Filipino shipbuilder #JosefaSlipways, Inc. #WestPHSea
PH acquires ocean tug to aid ships in WPS [Video]
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/906469/ph-acquires-ocean-tug-to-aid-ships-in-wps/story/
De Castro’s paper noted how #Manila’s 2019 #NationalMilitaryStrategy had bluntly stated that #China would never be a security partner of the #Philippines and was in fact the main threat to the country, and the #US should be included in the military’s strategic planning.
The #ChinaThreat is finally prompting the Philippines to step up military modernisation. Will it succeed?
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3262260/china-threat-finally-prompting-philippines-step-its-military-modernisation-has-it-succeeded
The Sabina (Escoda) Shoal is just 75 nautical miles or about 139 kms. from the main #Palawan island.
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#MANILA, #Philippines – The #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG) is committed to sustaining a presence in a disputed area of the #SouthChinaSea to ensure #China does not carry out reclamation activities at the #SabinaShoal, its spokesperson said on Monday, May 13. #WestPHSea #EscodaShoal
Philippine coast guard won't allow China reclamation at disputed shoal, official says
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/coast-guard-will-not-allow-china-reclamation-escoda-sabina-shoal/
Director of SeaLight, #RayPowell, said that at least four #ChinaCoastGuard vessels (CCG) and 26 “large” Chinese maritime militias are expected to blockade the #AtinIto convoy.
The second civilian supply mission of the Atin Ito coalition will begin on Wednesday morning at #Masinloc town in #Zambales, led by an indigenous vessel serving as the mother boat. #Philippines #WestPHSea
#China sending huge force in #Scarborough ahead of civilian mission
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235636/fwd-break-china-sending-huge-force-in-scarborough-shoal-ahead-of-civilian-mission-expert#ixzz8a4XfCB7o
The #BilateralSpaceDialogue bared that such a program will be useful in monitoring and documenting vessels in the #Philippines’ territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, ensure the safety of mariners at sea, monitor and help protect the environment, and help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. #EEZ #IllegalFishing
#US, PH eye cooperation to use space tech for #MaritimeSafety
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235819/fwd-us-ph-on-using-space-for-maritime-domain-awareness
#SonnyTrillanes filed the complaints before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Tuesday, May 14. The former senator, one of the staunchest critics of former president #RodrigoDuterte, said he filed libel and #CyberLibel complaints against Roque and Banat By for accusing him of giving away #ScarboroughShoal (#PanatagShoal) to #China during backchannel talks in 2012. #Philippines #WestPHSea
Trillanes sues #HarryRoque, #SMNI, #BanatBy for libel, cyber libel
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/trillanes-sues-harry-roque-smni-banat-by-cyber-libel/
Norobiik @
mike805