The president of the #Philippines said Sunday his country would not yield to “any foreign power” after #ChineseForces injured #FilipinoNavy personnel and damaged at least two military boats with machetes, axes and hammers in a clash in the disputed #SouthChinaSea, but added the Philippines would never instigate a war. #WestPHSea #China

Philippines says it won’t back down, but won’t start a war, after clash with #ChineseCoastGuard
https://apnews.com/article/philippines-china-marcos-south-china-sea-palawan-4f056ea5da9c750885dd7155f9007074

Cuaresma said Masinloc fishermen could now only reach up to 100 nautical miles from #BajoDeMasinloc, unlike before when they could go near the triangular coral reef formation famed for its rich waters and marine resources. #ScarboroughShoal #WestPHSea #Philippines

#Zambales fishers say #ChinaCoastGuard seen 30 nautical miles from Masinloc
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/911001/zambales-fishers-say-china-coast-guard-seen-30-nautical-miles-from-masinloc/story/

#China's learning from #Russia's mistakes in #Ukraine
---
But despite the relentless demonstration of the military’s increasing sophistication, some analysts wonder how much confidence Chinese President #XiJinping has in his armed forces.

Last week, Xi told a military conference that there were “deep-seated problems” throughout the armed forces and change was necessary. #MilitaryCorruption

Xi eyes military supremacy as he reorganises China’s armed forces
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/24/xi-eyes-military-supremacy-as-he-reorganises-chinas-armed-forces

I'll just echo what many are already thinking at this point - #Putin is no longer quite sane. #SouthKorea already has a big pending arms deal with #Poland. They won't hesitate to arm #Ukraine if this goes on any further. #NorthKorea #China #US
---
#NKPro analysis shows at least 13 Russian aircraft made trip, demonstrating extent of two sides’ efforts to boost ties

Putin likely took unprecedented number of planes to North Korea for summit | Anton Sokolin
https://www.nknews.org/pro/putin-likely-took-unprecedented-number-of-planes-to-north-korea-for-summit/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

"The United States, ROK, and Japan condemn in the strongest possible terms deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including continued arms transfers from the DPRK to Russia that prolong the suffering of the #UkrainianPeople" #Ukraine

#SouthKorea, #US, #Japan condemn deepening #Russia-#NorthKorea military cooperation 'in strongest possible terms'
https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240624004500315?section=national/diplomacy

A visit to #Palawan by #PresidentMarcos results in two developments: the calling of #China’s actions during the resupply mission as ‘deliberate’, and the scrapping of a proposal to announce to the public schedules of these missions. #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea #Philippines #China #ChinaCoastGuard

Not a misunderstanding’: PH changes tune on China’s Ayungin harassment
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/not-misunderstanding-changes-tune-china-harassment-ayungin-shoal-june-2024/

The #Philippines is seeking to schedule a call with #Beijing "very soon" amid an emerging crisis in the #SouthChinaSea, according to the #SouthEastAsia country's ambassador to the #US.

At issue is the #BRPSierraMadre, a rusting World War Il-era ship run
aground on a reef known as the #SecondThomasShoal . #WestPHSea #AyunginShoal

Philippines seeking call with China over emerging BRP Sierra Madre Crisis
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/06/26/philippines-seeking-call-with-china-over-emerging-sierra-madre-crisis/

#Japan and the #Philippines' foreign and defence ministers will meet in #Manila next month for talks that could include a breakthrough #DefencePact that would allow their military forces to visit each other's soil.

The Philippines has been ramping up its ties with neighbours and other countries to counter what it describes as #China's growing aggression in the #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea

Philippines, Japan foreign and defence ministers to meet July 8 in Manila
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-japan-foreign-defence-ministers-meet-july-8-manila-2024-06-28/

..just before my first cup of morning coffee too 🤦‍♂️
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President Vladimir #Putin said on Friday that #Russia should resume production of intermediate and shorter range #Nuclear-capable #missiles and then consider where to deploy them after the #UnitedStates brought similar missiles to #Europe and #asia

Putin says Russia may resume deploying missiles, adds US brought them to the #Philippines
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911637/putin-says-russia-may-resume-deploying-missiles-adds-us-brought-them-to-ph/story/

#LaNavalDeManila, a #shrine that honors a 17th-century victory against #DutchInvaders, releases an ‘#OratioImperata in times of grave tension’.

The oratio imperata reflects the growing concern of #Filipinos, including the religious sector, about the #WestPhilippineSea dispute. #WestPHSea #China #Philippines

La Naval, church of 1646 naval victory, prays for West Philippine Sea
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/la-naval-de-manila-oratio-imperata-tension-west-philippine-sea/

#MANILA, #Philippines – Chinese ships attempted to block the #PhilippineCoastGuard’s (PCG) rescue mission on Saturday, June 29, when the agency was responding to an incident in waters near #BajoDeMasinloc after the engine of #FilipinoFishingBoat “Akio” exploded, leaving two fishermen injured. #WestPHSea

#China briefly blocks rescue of Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-tried-to-block-rescue-filipino-fishermen-near-bajo-de-masinloc/

Image source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Sindangan_(MRRV-4407)

More details about the Akio fishing boat rescue by the PCG.
----
Based on the photos shared by #PCG to members of the media, the damaged motor banca #FFBAkio was being towed by a PCG patrol vessel at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

According the the PCG, the #ChinaCoastGuard tried to hamper rescue operations even after they were informed of the emergency. #WestPHSea

PCG: 2 Pinoy fishers hurt after boat explodes near #BajoDeMasinloc
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911723/2-pinoy-fishermen-hurt-after-boat-explodes-near-bajo-de-masinloc/story/

#Manila’s first #BrahMos #MissileBase in #WesternLuzon positions the supersonic anti-ship #CruiseMissiles
to strike targets 290-300 kilometers away.

#ScarboroughShoal, a disputed feature between the #Philippines and #China that has been de facto occupied by Beijing’s naval forces since 2012, is roughly 250 kilometers from the new base. #WestPHSea #Zambales

PH Builds First BrahMos Anti-Ship Missile Base Facing #SouthChinaSea
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/06/philippines-builds-first-brahmos-anti-ship-missile-base-facing-south-china-sea/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112299247245404902

A visiting #Vatican official in the #Philippines on Tuesday urged parties in the #WestPhilippineSea conflict to "resolve any differences peacefully" and "abide by #InternationalLaw." #WestPHSea

Vatican calls for peaceful resolution of West Philippine Sea conflict
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911965/vatican-resolution-west-philippine-sea/story/

Paratang ng #ChinaCoastGuard sa pagdadala umano ng #ConstructionMaterials sa #Sabina Shoal o #EscodaShoal, sinagot ng #PhilippineCoastGuard. #WestPHSea #China #Philippines

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f03V1XpXuzY

The #Philippines and #China agreed on Tuesday to "de-escalate tensions" over the #SouthChinaSea, #Manila said, following a violent clash in the disputed waters last month.

#ChineseCoastGuard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an axe surrounded and boarded three #PhilippineNavy boats on June 17 during a resupply mission to #SecondThomasShoal. #WestPHSea

Philippines Says It Agrees With China To 'De-escalate' South China Sea Tensions
https://www.barrons.com/news/philippines-says-manila-beijing-agree-to-de-escalate-south-china-sea-tensions-5ca8e79c

#Taiwan said the Chinese coast guard boarded a Taiwanese #FishingBoat Tuesday near the #Kinmen archipelago before steering it to a port in mainland #China.

Kinmen lies a short distance off China’s coast but is controlled by Taiwan. #SouthChinaSea

Taiwan says China's coast guard has detained a Taiwanese fishing vessel and demands its release
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/taiwan-chinas-coast-guard-detained-taiwanese-fishing-vessel-111617345

#CCG901, the world's largest #CoastGuard ship known as "The Monster," proceeded to #EscodaShoal after it was spotted in #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea

There, the China Coast Guard ship reportedly "kept watch" over Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) #BRPTeresaMagbanua which had been stationed at the shoal since April. #WestPHSea

China’s ‘monster ship’ keeps watch over BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912192/china-s-monster-ship-brp-teresa-magbanua/story/

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

#PAF has 2 candidates - the Lockheed #F16 & the SAAB #Gripen. Both are good choices for an #MRF.
---
Brawner said the President gave the green light on the measure during Thursday's first-semester command conference in #CampAguinaldo, #QuezonCity.

However, he said a decision has yet to be made on what #MRFs the #Philippines would buy. #WestPHSea #JAS39Gripen

Brawner: PBBM OKs AFP's 'intention' to acquire multi-role fighters (#MRFs)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228277

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112542188671392135

Both countries have had hostile encounters with #China's Coast Guard in their own respective #EEZ's.
----
The #Philippines and #Japan will sign a defence agreement on July 8 that will allow their military forces to visit each other’s soil, said the Philippine President’s communications office on July 7. #SouthChinaSea #EastChinaSea #WestPHSea

Philippines, Japan to sign landmark defence deal on July 8
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/philippines-japan-to-sign-landmark-defence-deal-on-july-8

#MANILA – The #Philippines and #Japan signed on July 8 a landmark #DefenceDeal that allows both nations to hold joint #MilitaryDrills in each other’s territories for the first time, a move seen to boost their cooperation to resist a more aggressive #Beijing in the #EastChinaSea and #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea

Philippines, Japan sign landmark defence deal in move to counter #China
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-japan-sign-landmark-defence-deal-in-move-to-counter-china

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force(#PAF), said the PAF would send four #FA50 light fighters, its interim aircraft while preparing for the acquisition of #MultiRoleFighters.

This will be the first time the #Philippines will deploy air assets to participate in an international exercise outside of the country. #PitchBlack2024

PAF planes join #Australia-led exercise
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241966/paf-planes-join-australia-led-exercise#ixzz8fSJGnxIg

The four fighter jets from the #PhilippineAirForce arrived here on Wednesday afternoon to participate with 20 other countries in what is considered the largest Pitch Black exercise ever.

This is an historic first for the PAF which sent #FighterJets for the first time to the biennial multinational exercise. #Philippines #Australia

PAF fighter jets arrive in Australia for #PitchBlack2024 military exercise
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912956/paf-fighter-jets-arrive-in-australia-for-pitch-black-2024-military-exercise/story/

Nearly 50 aircraft from the #German, #French, and Spanish air forces are embarking on a series of exercises across the #IndoPacific region from June to August, with the #US Air Force jumping in on several as well. #Spain

Dubbed ‘#PacificSkies,’ the massive deployment highlights #Europe’s growing interest in the region, even as the war in #Ukraine continues to dominate the continent. #PitchBlack2024 #EU

European Nations Deploy Fighters to Indo-Pacific, Joined by USAF
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/germany-france-spain-usaf-indo-pacific/

Reports of aggressive and #DangerousConduct by #ChineseVessels in the fiercely contested #SouthChinaSea have surged over the past 17 months.

Vessels have been rammed, punctured with knives, damaged by #WaterCannon and targeted by military-grade #lasers. Now the #Philippines’ US ambassador has warned the aggression must be reduced to avoid conflict. #WestPHSea

Confrontations in South China Sea surge, raising fears a miscalculation could lead to conflict
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/south-china-sea-conflict-philippines-coast-guard

#MANILA, #Philippines – Every 12th of July, the Philippines – and its allies and friends – commemorate the 2016 arbitral award, a landmark ruling that said #China’s sweeping #9DashLine claim had no basis in #InternationalLaw. #WestPHSea

WATCH: What the 2016 arbitral ruling says and doesn’t say about the #WestPhilippineSea
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/podcasts-videos/video-summary-2016-arbitral-ruling-west-sea/

A contingent from the French Air and Space Force taking part in the #Pegase24 will stop over at #ClarkAirBase to demonstrate the European country’s commitment to uphold #FreedomOfNavigation and overflight in the region. #WestPHSea #France #EU #Philippines

Both countries are also negotiating a #DefensePact to allow them to send military forces to each other’s territory for joint exercises.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242782/france-air-force-mission-includes-ph-for-first-time#ixzz8g6akzFRq

"I know the people very well, respect them greatly. They did take about 100% of our chip business. I think, #Taiwan should pay us for defence," #Trump said in interview with Bloomberg Businessweek on June 25 but published on Tuesday. #AsiaPacific #China #US

Shares in #TSMC, the world's largest contract #chipmaker and a major #Apple and #Nvidia supplier, fell more than 2% on Wednesday morning.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/07/17/world/politics/trump-taiwan-defense-tsmc/

#CCG5303 was spotted near #LubangIsland in #Mindoro on Sunday afternoon while conducting an “intrusive patrol,” former US Air Force official and Defence Attaché Ray Powell said on Monday. #WestPHSea

#BRPMelchoraAquino deployed after Chinese vessel passed near Lubang Island
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/913650/brp-melchora-aquino-deployed-lubang-island/story/

#WASHINGTON, #USA – Two senior #Republican #USSenators have asked President #JoeBiden to provide a complete list of options developed by the #Pentagon and #StateDepartment to help support the #Philippines in recent standoffs with #Beijing over a contested shoal in the #SouthChinaSea. #AyunginShoal #WestPHSea #BRPSieraMadre

Senior Republican lawmakers ask #Biden for options to support Philippines in Beijing standoff
https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/senior-republican-lawmakers-ask-biden-options-support-philippines-beijing-standoff/

The #Philippines #FA50 flyby starts at 18:20 🇵🇭
---
The Royal Australian Air Force and international partners will return to Mindil Beach for the Exercise Pitch Black Flying Display between 5pm-6:30pm (ACST) on Thursday, 18 July 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Territory sunset, this free, non-ticketed event will coincide with the regular Mindil Beach Markets. #PitchBlack2024

Exercise #PitchBlack24 | #MindilBeach Flying Display Livestream ✈
https://m.youtube.com/live/iF-163cteno

#Manila’s resupply missions to troops on an atoll in the #WestPhilippineSea will remain purely Philippine operations, the #NationalSecurityCouncil said Sunday, after #Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them.

The #AyunginShoal hosts a tiny Philippine garrison stationed on a deliberately beached old warship which needs regular resupply. #BRPSieraMadre #WestPHSea

West Philippine Sea: Ayungin resupply missions to remain PH operation – NSC
https://www.inquirer.net/409336/west-philippine-sea-ayungin-resupply-missions-to-remain-ph-operation-nsc/#ixzz8gc7CrLSv

According to a report from the #AssociatedPress, two Chinese demands did not make it to the draft deal.

The AP said #Beijing wanted #Manila not to bring #ConstructionMaterials, and to give “advance notice and the right to inspect the ships.” The #Philippines rejected #China’s demands, and the final arrangement did not include these provisions. #WestPHSea #BRPSieraMadre

Philippines, China OK ‘arrangement’ on resupply missions to #AyunginShoal
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-china-ok-arrangement-resupply-missions-ayungin-shoal/

#MANILA, #Philippines — The Philippine government said on Saturday, July 27, that “no untoward incidents” happened during a morning resupply mission to #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea — unlike last month’s mission, when the #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) wielded axes and knives and boarded #PhilippineNavy boats. #WestPHSea

PH reports smooth mission to Ayungin in first test of ‘arrangement’ with #China
https://www.rappler.com/sports/paris-olympics-updates-games-results-athletes-2024/

Divisions among #AsiPacific nations surfaced on Saturday, as foreign ministers engaged in exchanges over #Russia’s protracted invasion of #Ukraine and #China’s growing maritime assertiveness in nearby waters.

At the ministerial gathering of the 18-member #EastAsiaSummit, which includes #Asean, Russia, China, the #US, #Japan and #SouthKorea, #NorthKorea’s missile and nuclear development was also discussed.

Rifts surface at East Asia meetings
https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2836816/rifts-surface-at-east-asia-meetings.

The package includes $1.2 billion for #Taipei, $500 million for #Manila and around $300 million to spread around other partners, such as #Vietnam, parts of #SouthAsia and island nations in the #Pacific.

Top of the list for the #Philippines will be equipment to help defend against #China's bullying in the #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea

US close to sending $2 billion in security aid across the #IndoPacific
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-close-to-sending-2-billion-in-security-aid-across-the-indo-pacific/ar-BB1qgLN6

After Tokyo, Blinken and Austin will hold security talks with the #Philippines re: #WestPHSea.
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The talks attended by #Australia's #PennyWong, #India's #SubrahmanyamJaishankar, #Japan's #YokoKamikawa and #AntonyBlinken from the #US, follow security discussions between #Tokyo and #Washington on the region's strategic challenges. #China

#Quad foreign ministers meet in Tokyo for talks on #MaritimeSecurity, #cyber
https://www.rappler.com/world/global-affairs/quad-foreign-ministers-tokyo-talks-maritime-security-cyber-defense/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112863954607550173

Territorial confrontations are rising between #China and a host of other nations in waters that are key to global trade. Here is a map and guide to the region, showing why its fate matters | Rebecca Ratcliffe

#Philippines #Vietnam #Malaysia #Taiwan #WestPHSea

#SouthChinaSea: a visual guide to the key shoals, reefs and islands
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/30/south-china-sea-map-visual-guide-key-shoals-reefs-islands

#Philippines President #FerdinandMarcosJr has welcomed US Secretary of State #AntonyBlinken and Defence Secretary #LloydAustin to #Manila, stressing the need for regular and open engagement between Manila and #Washington to ensure an “agile” response amid continuing tension in the disputed #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea

Marcos Jr welcomes US support as Blinken and Austin arrive in Philippines
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/30/marcos-jr-welcomes-us-support-as-blinken-and-austin-arrive-in-philippines?traffic_source=rss&utm_source=press.coop

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112867718759242916

The #US officials are set to formally announce $500 million in #ForeignMilitaryFinancing for the #Philippines, as #Manila hosts the 2+2 meeting format for the first time.

Closer bilateral ties and commitments to foreign military financial (aid) come at a crucial time for the Philippines, as it asserts its sovereign rights in the #SouthChinaSea. #WestPHSea

US vows $500 million in military financing to Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/united-states-military-financing-manila-july-30-2024/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112874070793939573