Norobiik @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
The Cultural Significance Of Indian Sweets - Indian Culture
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
India delivers first batch of BrahMos missile system to Philippines: Why this is a big deal
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.
Norobiik @[email protected] (@[email protected])
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
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/
'This charade must stop': Gibo Teodoro denies 'new model' with China on Ayungin Shoal
'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/
"Kung meron talaga silang recording at kung meron talaga silang transcript, they should at the least make it available to the government — to the Executive, dahil seryosong claim na naman nila yan ng isang new model,” said Hontiveros in a press conference, pertaining to #China. #PHSenate #RisaHontiveros #WestPHSea #WESCOM #AyunginShoal
Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin 'new model' pact evidence
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235113/hontiveros-urges-release-of-ayungin-new-model-pact-evidence
Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin 'new model' pact evidence
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235113/hontiveros-urges-release-of-ayungin-new-model-pact-evidence
#MANILA, #Philippines — Finally breaking its silence, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned the public against “falling for false narratives” after #China’s threat to release an #AudioRecording supposedly proving that a high-ranking Filipino army official agreed on a “new model” in #AyunginShoal. #WestPHSea
DFA warns public vs China's false narratives on 'new model' pact for Ayungin
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235178/fwd-dfa-on-alleged-recording-re-ayungin-new-model
DFA warns public vs China's false narratives on 'new model' pact for Ayungin
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235178/fwd-dfa-on-alleged-recording-re-ayungin-new-model
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/
#MANILA, #Philippines (AP) — A flotilla of about 100 mostly small fishing boats led by #FilipinoActivists sailed Wednesday to a disputed shoal in the #SouthChinaSea, where #Beijing’s coast guard and suspected #MilitiaShips have used powerful #WaterCannons to ward off what they regard as intruders.
The #PhilippineCoastGuard and navy deployed one patrol ship each to keep watch from a distance on the activists and fishermen. #WestPHSea
#MANILA, #Philippines – A coalition of civic organizations pushed through with a #CivilianMission to #ScarboroughShoal or #PanatagShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea on Wednesday, May 15.
The group will sail towards the “general vicinity of #BajoDeMasinloc,” a feature just over 120 nautical miles off the coast of #Zambales. #WestPHSea
Civilian group #AtinIto sails towards Panatag Shoal, as fleet of #China ships await
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/civilian-group-atin-ito-sails-scarborough-panatag-shoal-may-2024/
ABOARD FBCA PING PING — Two #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) vessels shadowed this mother boat of the #ScarboroughShoal (#PanatagShoal) #CivilianConvoy, with one even coming as close as 100 meters on Wednesday.
At about 6:00 p.m, CCG vessel with bow number 4109 was first spotted at about 100 nautical miles away from #Zambales. #WestPHSea #AtinIto
CCG ship spotted near mother boat of Scarborough convoy
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236067/chinese-coast-guard-ship-spotted-near-mother-boat-of-scarborough-convoy
#WestPhilippineSea, #Philippines — Two #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) vessels on Wednesday shadowed and tried to block the Filipino civilian-led convoy sailing toward #PanatagShoal (#ScarboroughShoal) in the #WestPhilippineSea (WPS), a resource-rich area in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that was seized by #China in 2012. #WestPHSea
2 China Coast Guard ships try to block ‘#AtinIto’ convoy
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236087/2-china-coast-guard-ships-try-to-block-atin-ito-convoy
#MANILA, #Philippines – Over 46 Chinese government vessels have been deployed at the vicinity of #PanatagShoal, also called #BajoDeMasinloc or #ScarboroughShoal, a feature just 120 nautical miles off the coast of #Zambales province in the #WestPhilippineSea.
At least 19 of those vessels were in the immediate area of the shoal. #WestPHSea
WATCH: Massive vessel deployment in Panatag betrays a scared China, says Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-coast-guard-maritime-militia-deployment-scarborough-shoal-atin-ito/
ABOARD FBCA BING BING — The #MotherBoat of a civilian convoy aiming to bring supplies to #FilipinoFishermen could not reach #ScarboroughShoal due to being shadowed by #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) vessels.
“It is not advisable to proceed because it is already risky,” Ariel Bustillos, the captain of Fbca Bing Bing. #WestPHSea #PanatagShoal
China ships block convoy's mother boat from reaching Scarborough
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236147/chinese-ships-block-convoys-mother-boat-from-reaching-scarborough
#MANILA, #Philippine — Volunteers of the civilian-led convoy that reached about 50 nautical miles from #ScarboroughShoal (#PanatagShoal) have concluded their mission and will now return to #SubicPort, according to #AtinIto (This is Ours) Coalition. #WestPHSea
Scarborough convoy concludes mission, heads back to Subic port
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236327/scarborough-convoy-concludes-mission-now-heading-back-to-subic-port
#China has issued a regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners trespassing in the #SouthChinaSea following the Philippine civilian mission to the #WestPhilippineSea (WPS) that ended on Friday. #WestPHSea
#ChinaCoastGuard empowered to detain 'trespassers' in SCS; PCG unfazed
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907082/china-eyes-arrest-of-civilians-in-south-china-sea-ph-coast-guard-unfazed/story/
China Coast Guard empowered to detain 'trespassers' in South China Sea —report
China has issued a regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea following the Philippine civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that ended on Friday.
The #Philippines will acquire five additional large patrol ships from #Japan through a P23.85-billion deal signed Friday, amid growing tensions in the #WestPhilippineSea.
The #PCG currently has two 97-meter patrol vessels as part of a fleet seen as inadequate for patrolling waters around the vast archipelago nation. #WestPHSea
PH to buy 5 Japan-made coast guard ships in P23.85-billion deal
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236428/philippines-to-buy-5-japan-made-coast-guard-ships-in-p23-85-billion-deal
Image Link: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Teresa_Magbanua
Highlighting their solid alliance in the #IndoPacific, #RahmEmanuel visited #Yonaguni, #Japan’s westernmost island just east of #Taiwan, a self-governed island also claimed by #China.
The #USAmbassador to Japan visits southern islands at the forefront of China tension
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-us-ambassador-to-japan-visits-southern-islands-at-the-forefront-of-china-tension/ar-BB1mzWUM?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01
#Yonaguni is a tourist hotspot – but its location just 100km from #Taiwan means residents must wrestle with the creeping militarisation of their home.
This tiny island, located far closer to #Taipei than #Tokyo, now finds itself at the centre of regional tensions triggered by a new round of Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.
The quiet Japanese island paradise on the frontline of growing Taiwan-#China tensions
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/17/yonaguni-island-japan-taiwan-china-relations
Vice Adm. #AlbertoCarlos, who supposedly confirmed that a “new model” arrangement to ease tension between the #Philippines and #China during the resupply of the troops at #AyunginShoal #SecondThomasShoal, has been removed as chief of the military’s #WesternCommand (#Wescom). #WestPHSea
It’s official:Carlos out as chief of Wescom
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1941826/its-official-carlos-out-as-chief-of-wescom
#SihanoukvillePort is north of the #ReamNavalBase, where #China has funded a broad expansion project that has been carefully watched by the #UnitedStates and others over concerns it could become a new outpost for the #ChineseNavy on the #GulfOfThailand. The Gulf is adjacent to the #SouthChinaSea.
Chinese ambassador promises 'friendship' and 'cooperation' as 2 Chinese warships dock in #Cambodia
https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-china-warships-naval-exercises-military-f9e4b2a90d326143ead146ba5dd9342b
Chinese ambassador promises 'friendship' and 'cooperation' as 2 Chinese warships dock in Cambodia
Two Chinese warships have docked at a commercial port in Cambodia, in preparation for joint naval exercises between the two countries. The Jingangshan amphibious warfare ship and Qijiguang training ship sailed in to the Sihanoukville Port on Sunday as onlookers waved Cambodian and Chinese flags from the piers. The port is north of the Ream Naval Base, where China has been funding a broad expansion project that has been carefully watched by the United States and others over concerns it could become a new outpost for the Chinese navy on the Gulf of Thailand.
"A larger #CivilianMovement pushing for #peace and #SustainableDevelopment in the #SouthChinaSea and in the #WestPhilippineSea is an idea whose time has come." #WestPHSea
[OPINION] #JohnLennon, the West Philippine Sea, and #AtinIto
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-john-lennon-west-philippine-sea-atin-ito/
It's much more than a mere goodwill visit, let's see how it goes 🤞
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The ships—guided missile destroyer #INSDelhi, fleet tanker #INSShakti and ASW corvette #INSKiltan—belong to the #IndianNavy’s Eastern Fleet. The visit comes amid the growing ties between #Manila and #NewDelhi. #India has reiterated its support for the #Philippines's territorial rights in the #WestPhilippineSea. #WestPHSea
3 Indian warships in Manila on goodwill visit
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236709/3-indian-warships-in-manila-on-goodwill-visit
Around $1B+ too pricey.
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In 2021, the #UnitedStates approved the potential sale of 12 latest variants of #F16 fighter jets to its close ally, the #Philippines — however, the proposed purchase has been delayed due to financial constraints faced by #Manila, which deems the offered price by #Washington as “too pricey” and beyond its financial capability.
US made F16 "Too Pricey", Manila Considers #Sweden's #JAS39Gripen and Used F16
https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/u-s-made-f-16-too-pricey-manila-considers-swedens-jas39-gripen-and-used-fighter-jets-2/
U.S-made F-16 "Too Pricey", Manila Considers Sweden's JAS39 Gripen and Used F-16
Pada tahun 2021, Amerika Syarikat telah meluluskan potensi penjualan 12 buah varian terkini pesawat pejuang F-16 kepada Filipina, tetapi urusan pembelian itu tertangguh sehingga kini akibat kekangan kewangan dihadapi oleh Manila yang menganggap harga yang ditawarkan oleh Washington itu "terlalu mahal."
With #China’s trespassing in the #WestPhilippineSea (WPS) already a local concern besides being a national issue, the city council here has invited national government officials to explain #China’s new regulation directing its coast guard to detain “foreigners” crossing areas of Philippine waters it has occupied. #Philippines #WestPHSea
#Palawan officials to gov't: Clarify China rule on WPS
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943206/palawan-officials-to-govt-clarify-china-rule-on-wps
The #PhilippineCoastGuard is accusing Chinese fishers of destroying biodiversity in the #SouthChinaSea's hotly disputed #ScarboroughShoal. #China is denying the claims, insisting that the #Philippines is responsible, saying it is illegally occupying the area. #Philippines #WestPHSea
Philippine Coast Guard Accuses Chinese Fishers of Damaging #Biodiversity [VIDEO]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippine-coast-guard-accuses-chinese-fishers-of-damaging-biodiversity-taiwanplus-news/vi-BB1mMETX?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&cvid=c40c4c9abcd445c382c1f06f0d3586a7&ei=30&PC=EMMX01
tootbrute@Norobiik lacklustre response to Russian salami slicing in Ukraine is certainly emboldening China in the South China Sea.
@tootbrute I agree strongly. A decisive end to the Ukraine war in favor of Ukraine will make all of us safer for sure.