#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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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
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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/

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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/

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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

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#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

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/

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/

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