#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.
-----
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

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112352954725031658

#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/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112387389683728692

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

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112337329834346693

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/

MSN link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/malaysia-s-appetite-for-oil-and-gas-puts-it-on-collision-course-with-china/ar-BB1mcOr4

🔗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

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/filipino-activists-and-fishermen-sail-in-100-boat-flotilla-to-disputed-shoal-guarded-by-china/ar-BB1mpsYv

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112433192894493115

#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/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112443587111721837

#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/

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

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

"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/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112281631918676000

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

The #PhilippineNavy on Wednesday said it commissioned two additional Israeli-made gunboats designed to mount missiles.

The #AceroClassGunboats have a maximum speed of 43 knots with a range of 1,600 nautical miles (at a cruising speed of 15 knots). Their endurance make the fast attack interdiction craft (#FAIC) ideal for extended patrols within the #Philippines’ EEZ. #WestPHSea

PH Navy commissions 2 more missile-mountable gunboats
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943665/ph-navy-commissions-2-more-missile-mountable-gunboats

Image source: https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/naval/vessel-review-nestor-acero-philippine-navy-welcomes-missile-capable-attack-boats-into-service/

A team of Chinese scientists say they have come up with a way to build tunnels under artificial islands in the South China Sea,which #Beijing uses to reinforce its claim to large swathes of contested territory. #China #Philippines #WestPHSea

Chinese team proposes invisible expansion in disputed #SouthChinaSea using tunnels
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/south-china-sea-spratly-islands-ocean-university-b2549329.html