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China coastguard uses water cannons against Philippine ships in South China Sea
MANILA/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China’s coastguard said it had taken measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Saturday, while the Philippines decried the moves, including the use of water cannons, as “irresponsible and provocative”. China’s actions led to “significant damage” and injury to personnel on a civilian boat hired to resupply.....»»
‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr.
In an interview on Bloomberg TV last Wednesday, as reported in another national daily, he made two related comments that could represent important government policy stands. First, regarding China’s increasing aggressive moves against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea; second, about the United States’ repeated assurance of its “iron-clad” defense commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. The post ‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr. appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
China Coast Guard water-cannons anew Ayungin-bound civilian Philippine boat
A China Coast Guard vessel again blasted a Filipino supply boat with water cannons during the latter's attempt to bring much needed supplies to soldiers stationed at the Ayungin (Scarborough) Shoal......»»
Australia, Britain Criticize China for Actions in Hong Kong
SYDNEY - Australia and Britain on Friday criticized China for its actions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea and its support of Russia, after a meeting in which London and Canberra deepened their security ties.The two countries called out 'recent unsafe and destabilizing behavior by China's vessels against Philippine vessels and crew near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea,' in a statement that contain.....»»
US warns China against armed attack on Philippines
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China on Tuesday, stating that any "armed" attack on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea would activate a mutual self-defence agreement between Washington and Manila, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region that could potentially embroil the United States in conflict with Beijing, as reported by The New York Times. Despite th.....»»
China satellite launch prompts Taiwan alert ahead of pivotal vote
The Taiwan defense ministry sends a security alert to mobile phone users in Taiwan around the same time Chinese state media confirms the launch of a science satellite.....»»
Rozul Reef devastated, Escoda Shoal now dead, PCG confirms
Following the suspicion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that China was the one responsible for harvesting the corals of Rozul Reef, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed this on Monday, adding that another West Philippine Sea feature Escoda Shoal is now dead due to coral harvesting and seabed devastation. Tarriela, who has been fearless in hitting China for its bullying and dangerous maneuvering against PCG operatives in the WPS, pinpointed the Chinese Maritime Militia that has been swarming in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, are the ones responsible for the devastation of the said features. "From 09 August 2023 to 11 September 2023, PCG monitored an average presence of approximately Thirty-three (33) CMM vessels at vicinity Rozul Reef and Fifteen (15) CMM vessels in Escoda Shoal. Maritime patrols carried out during the same period by BRP SINDANGAN (MRRV 4407) and BRP CABRA (MRRV 4409) further validated the presence of these CMMs in these West Philippine Sea features," he said in a statement on Monday. Tarriela noted that during the same period, the PCG launched missions to conduct extensive underwater surveys of the seabed in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. "The results of these surveys showed that the marine ecosystem in the subject WPS features appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life. Moreover, the surveys conducted in Escoda Shoal revealed visible discoloration of its seabed, strongly indicating that deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain," he said, confirming the report released by the AFP Western Command last week. Further, he said the presence of crushed corals strongly suggests a potential act of dumping, possibly involving the same dead corals that were previously processed and cleaned before being returned to the seabed. "The continued swarming for indiscriminate illegal and destructive fishing activities of the Chinese Maritime Militia in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in the WPS features. The PCG emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving our marine environment, which plays a crucial role in sustaining marine life and supporting local communities," according to Tarriela. The post Rozul Reef devastated, Escoda Shoal now dead, PCG confirms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CA confirms Brawner, 29 military officers
The Commission on Appointments, led by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, confirmed Wednesday the ad interim appointment of Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of four-star general and the nomination of other 29 generals, flag officers, and senior military officers. Zubiri lauded the soldiers for their loyalty to the Philippine flag and their willingness to make sacrifices for the country. “Once again, you are the vanguards of democracy in our country. We cannot have hearings today, we cannot have these institutions in place without the brave men and women of the Armed Forces,” Zubiri said. During the bicameral CA deliberation of his appointment, Brawner vowed the AFP military officials are ready to defend and protect the country and Filipino people against any security threats. Senator Risa Hontiveros started the deliberation by asking Brawner about his primary objectives intended to be accomplished through the AFP's revolving door policy and Republic Act 11939. Brawner responded by enumerating his priority thrusts for the armed forces embodied in an acronym U.N.I.T.Y, which stands for unification, normalization, territorial defense, internal security operations and youth programs. Brawner said the AFP will focus on the the normalization of the Bangsamoro region, particularly the decommissioning, disarmament and reintegration of the former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “Now that we believe that we are winding down with our internal security operations, we will have to sustain the gains that we had,” he added. Brawner also noted that the AFP will have to recalibrate its doctrines, training and the entire organization in order to be able to cope with the demands of defending the country’s territory. The AFP, he added, will focus on developing the Filipino youth through programs such as the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Brawner said the AFP will make sure that those who will handle the ROTC activities “are prepared and are professional” to prevent a repeat of abuses, including grades for sale, hazing and maltreatment of students. “We are anticipating the passing of that bill for the mandatory ROTC. Naghahanda na po ang inyong armed forces and we want to make sure that we will not repeat the mistakes that we had, the abuses that happened during the past when we had the ROTC program,” he said. On sending military officers to China Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino scrutinized the AFP’s engagements with China, particularly the sending of senior officials and cadets to Chinese military schools. Brawner explained that the Philippines’ military-to-military relationship with China is covered by a memorandum of agreement on Defense Cooperation that was forged in 2004. “That is why we are allowed to send officers to China to study and vice versa, they are sent here because we find value in sending our officers abroad not just to China but in fact to so many countries in order for them to train and to bring back the knowledge that they gain so that we can learn from them and probably apply the best practices that they are applying in other countries,” he said. However, Brawner noted that the AFP is currently studying the revisitation of the memorandum following the blocking and water cannon actions by Chinese vessels against Philippine ships last 5 August in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. “I ordered the temporary stop to sending officers to China. Just last week there was a communication, an invitation from China for us to send cadets to China to join a conference of cadets from all over the world,” he said. Tolentino urged Brawner to provide updates on the results of the study. Senator Imee Marcos also pushed for the local production and procurement of firearms and equipment for the AFP to lessen the country's dependence on foreign suppliers for its national defense. Brawner said the AFP is eyeing the revival of the country’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture program. Meanwhile, the number of military personnel filing for early retirement has increased due to the bill on the reform of the pension system for military and uniformed personnel. "Tumaas po 'yung nagfa-file ng early retirement dahil nga po they are anticipating na kapag lumabas yung batas, 'yung unang version po, they are basing it on the early versions (The number of personnel filing for early retirement increased because they are anticipating the law on the reform of the MUP pension system. They are basing it on the early version),” the AFP chief. "Gusto nila na mapaloob pa sila sa lumang sistema (They want to be covered by the old system). They want to avail of the old system wherein they will receive one-rank higher pay when they retire and indexation,” he added. However, Brawner said there is no cause for concern as many Filipinos are willing to join and apply for the AFP service. "The alarming situation would be 'yung mawawala po 'yung ating senior non-commissioned officers. So kung puro bata naman yung ating Armed Forces, it will not be a healthy organization (The alarming situation would be when our senior non-commissioned officers leave the AFP. So we will be left with mostly young personnel, it will not be a healthy organization),” Brawner said, noting that the military organization also needs the leadership of its non-commissioned officers. According to Brawner, he already advised AFP personnel “to just wait for the final version of the law before making a decision on their retirement.” He added that soldiers are always willing to sacrifice a portion of their pay for the country's benefit. Brawner stressed the Department of National Defense has developed a plan that would enable the AFP to generate pension funds, including utilizing available real estate assets. The post CA confirms Brawner, 29 military officers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP confirms 85% of monitored foreign vessels in WPS/SCS Chinese-owned
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed that 85 percent of the more than 400 foreign vessels monitored sailing within the South China Sea are Chinese-owned ships. "Well, at any one time, in the entire South China Sea, there are more than 400 na mga foreign vessels, these include fishing vessels, research vessels, Coast Guard and the Navies of other countries," the AFP chief told reporters reporters in a chance interview shortly after the National Heroes Day event at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. During Brawner’s visit to the AFP’s Western Command headquarters in Palawan five days after the water cannon incident involving Chinese Coast Guard and Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal last 5 August, WesCom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos also confirmed that 85 percent of these monitored vessels in the West Philippine Sea are likely Chinese fishing ships. Carlos noted that about 191 of these vessels are in the vicinity of the Chinese-occupied Mischief Reef, which is about 134 nautical miles from Palawan and 602 nautical miles from China. The AFP earlier stressed that the Mischief Reef is a low-tide elevation, like Ayungin Shoal, that forms part of the country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro earlier called on China not to pressure the Philippines within its own EEZ and stop building Chinese structures in the West Philippine Sea if they really want to resolve the increasing maritime tensions. "Nanawagan din tayo sa China na sana makipagtulungan din sila na tigilan yung tension, papaano naman ‘yun eh pinapatigil nila tayo eh wala naman tigil yung pananakop nila. Simple naman sakin 'yun, okay naman makipag usap eh basta tabla (We call on the China to cooperate with us to stop the tension. They want us to stop yet they also keep on encroaching. For me it's simple, we talk with them but it has to fair),” Teodoro previously said. The post AFP confirms 85% of monitored foreign vessels in WPS/SCS Chinese-owned appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China launches military drills around Taiwan as ‘stern warning’
China launched military drills around Taiwan on Saturday as a "stern warning" after voicing anger over a stopover in the United States by the island's vice president, William Lai. Lai, who is the frontrunner in Taiwan's presidential election next year, stopped in New York and returned via San Francisco on a trip to Paraguay, one of a dwindling number of nations that diplomatically recognize Taipei. China on Saturday called Lai a "troublemaker" and vowed to take "resolute measures... to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity". The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army "launched joint air and sea patrols and military exercises of the navy and air force around the island of Taiwan" on Saturday, state media outlet Xinhua quoted military spokesperson Shi Yi as saying. Xinhua said the drills, the scale of which was not immediately known, were meant to test the PLA's ability "to seize control of air and sea spaces" and fight "in real combat conditions". They were also intended to serve as "a stern warning to the collusion of 'Taiwan independence' separatists with foreign elements and their provocations", it added. Taiwan on Saturday said it strongly condemned "such irrational and provocative behavior" and said it would dispatch "appropriate forces" to respond "with practical actions". "Conducting a military exercise this time under a pretext not only does not help the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait but also highlights (China's) militaristic mentality and confirms the hegemonic nature of its military expansion," Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said in a statement. 'New provocative move' China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has pledged to take it one day, by force if necessary. It launched major military exercises after Nancy Pelosi, then House speaker, visited Taiwan last year and later when President Tsai Ing-wen met top US lawmakers as she transited through the United States. Washington had called for calm over Lai's transit, describing the travel as routine. But on Saturday, an official from the ruling Communist Party's Taiwan Work Office "strongly condemned" Lai's trip, calling it a "new provocative move" by his party, the DPP, "to further collude with the United States", Xinhua said. "Lai's latest 'stopover'... was a disguise he used to sell out the interests of Taiwan in order to seek gains in the local election through dishonest moves," the official was quoted as saying. "Lai's deeds have proven that he is an out-and-out troublemaker who will push Taiwan to the dangerous brink of war and bring deep troubles to Taiwan compatriots", the readout continued. At a lunch in New York during the trip, Lai vowed "to resist annexation" and continue to uphold the core tenets of Tsai's administration. Lai has been far more outspoken about independence than Tsai, to whom Beijing is already hostile as she refuses to accept its view that Taiwan is a part of China. The Harvard-educated doctor turned politician has previously described himself as a "pragmatic Taiwan independence worker". The post China launches military drills around Taiwan as ‘stern warning’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Messi confirms triumphant 2022 World Cup was probably his last
Lionel Messi on Tuesday confirmed he "doesn't think" he will play at another World Cup in an interview with Chinese media after the 35-year-old led Argentina to victory at last year's tournament in Qatar. "I have said several times before that I don't think so, that that (2022) was my last World Cup," he said when asked by China's Titan Sports in a video interview if he might feature at the 2026 tournament in North America. "I will see how things go but in theory, I don't think I will be around for the next World Cup," he added in Spanish in the video published on the app Kuaishou. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently in Beijing where Argentina will play a friendly against Australia on Thursday. His comments come after he said earlier this year to the Argentinian newspaper Ole that it would be "very difficult" to play at another World Cup. He will turn 39 during the next tournament. Messi last week announced he would join MLS side Inter Miami after his two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain came to an end. Argentina will play Thursday's friendly against Australia at the 68,000-capacity Workers' Stadium in Beijing. The match is a repeat of the last-16 tie between the teams at the World Cup in Doha, which Argentina won 2-1. With Chinese fans desperate to see the former Barcelona star in action, tickets have been rapidly snapped up despite being sold at prices rising to 4,800 Yuan ($671). The post Messi confirms triumphant 2022 World Cup was probably his last appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CA confirms DFA envoys, 86 AFP officers
The Commission on Appointments on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointments of Henry Bensurto Jr. as Philippine ambassador to Turkiye, Raul Hernandez as ambassador to Oman, and Carlos Sorreta as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The CA also confirmed the ad interim appointments of Renato Villa as ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Paul Cortez as ambassador to Portugal, Josel Ignacio as ambassador to India, and Maria Angela Ponce as ambassador to Malaysia. During the plenary session, Bensurto, who was part of the country’s delegation to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS that gave the Philippines its landmark victory against China in 2016, was asked about the importance of the arbitral ruling. “I think it’s very important for us to tell the world what exactly was the ruling and it is very important for the international community to understand the legal and political implications of the ruling,” he said. “If I may be more specific on that, in the past, whereas more than 500,000 square kilometers of Philippine exclusive economic zone and another more than 500,000 square km of the continental shelf, that’s about a million square km of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone — most of this are now no longer disputed because of the ruling,” he added. He said: “What used to be a large disputed area is just now limited to something like 13,000 square km, 13,000 sq km out of a million sq km.” Smooth deliberation The CA also confirmed the ad interim appointments of 86 generals and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the designation of former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade Jr. as a colonel in the Philippine Air Force reserves. The deliberations by the bicameral CA Committee on National Defense were conducted smoothly as it did not even last an hour — with CA members including 2nd District Negros Oriental Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria, BacoRep. Greg Gasataya, Sen. Nancy Binay, and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go manifesting full support for the promotion of the 86 AFP general and senior officers. During his manifestation, Go vouched for Tugade’s dedication to public service, saying it could be an asset to the military reserve forces. Tugade formally joined the Philippine Air Force Reserves as a lieutenant colonel in December 2017. Go also acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of the AFP soldiers in providing service to the Filipinos on top of defending the country. Speaking at the CA plenary, Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico commended the newly confirmed AFP officials, particularly those soldiers adopted by the Pangasinan province. “I believe that they will act in the best interest of the country in line with the social and moral obligations expected of them,” Guico said. Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri noted that many of the newly promoted AFP officers had served in Mindanao and were instrumental in keeping a long period of peace in the region. “I thank you all for your service to our country, to our flag and nation,” he said, noting that these officers had faced “insurmountable odds” and always looking out for the interest of the country, sacrificing even their lives, above all. Before the CA adjourned its first regular session, Zubiri announced that the commission had confirmed 597 nominations and appointments, of which 452 were AFP officers. The post CA confirms DFA envoys, 86 AFP officers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CA confirms new envoys
The Commission on Appointments on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointments of Henry Bensurto Jr. as Philippine Ambassador to Turkiye, Raul Hernandez as Philippine Ambassador to Oman and Carlos Sorreta as Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Likewise, the powerful Constitutional body also confirmed the ad interim appointments of Renato Villa as Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Paul Cortez as Philippine Ambassador to Portugal, Josel Ignacio as Philippine Ambassador to India and Maria Angela Ponce as Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia. During the plenary session, Bensurto, who was part of the country’s delegation to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that gave the Philippines its landmark victory against China in 2016, was asked about the importance of the arbitral ruling. “I think it's very important for us to tell the world what exactly was the ruling and it is very important for the international community to understand the legal and political implications of the ruling,” he said. “If I may be more specific in that, in the past, whereas more than 500,000 square km of Philippine exclusive economic zone and another more than 500,000 square km of the continental shelf, that's about a million square km of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone -- most of this now are no longer disputed because of the ruling,” he added. He continued: “What used to be a large area of disputed is just now just limited to something like 13,000 square km. 13,000 sq km out of a million square km.” The post CA confirms new envoys appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korea confirms June launch of military spy satellite: KCNA
North Korea has confirmed it will launch a reconnaissance satellite in June, saying it is needed to monitor military movements of the United States and its partners in real-time, state media reported Tuesday, citing a senior defence official. Japan said Monday it had been informed by Pyongyang that a satellite launch could happen as early as this week, but Tokyo warned the North may in fact be planning a sanctions-defying ballistic missile test. The North's state Korean Central News Agency cited Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the ruling party's central military commission, as saying the "military reconnaissance satellite No. 1" would be "launched in June". That satellite, along with "various reconnaissance means due to be newly tested, are indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces", the statement said. Citing "reckless" acts by Washington and Seoul, Ri said North Korea felt "the need to expand reconnaissance and information means and improve various defensive and offensive weapons" in an effort to bolster military preparedness. The official also accused the United States of conducting "hostile air espionage activities on the Korean peninsula and in its vicinity", according to the KCNA dispatch. North Korea informed Japan it would launch a rocket between May 31 and June 11, identifying waters near the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and to the east of Luzon Island in the Philippines as warning areas, a Japanese coast guard spokesman told AFP. Such zones are usually designated for falling debris or rocket stages. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told officials to gather intelligence "on North Korea's notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite", his office said in a tweet. "Even if it's described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions" and would threaten people's safety, Kishida told reporters. In 2012 and 2016, Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles that it called satellite launches. Both flew over Japan's southern Okinawa region. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this month inspected the country's first military spy satellite as it was prepared for launch, and gave the green light for its "future action plan". In 2021, Kim had identified the development of such satellites as a key defence project for the North Korean military. Because long-range rockets and space launchers share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Japan's defence ministry issued an order to shoot down any ballistic missile confirmed to be on course to fall into its territory. South Korea's foreign ministry condemned the launch plan, but officials did not confirm to AFP if Seoul had been directly notified of it. "North Korea's so-called 'satellite launch' is a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions banning all launches using ballistic missile technology, and is a clearly illegal act that cannot be justified under any pretext," the ministry said. South Korea and Japan have been working to mend long-frayed ties, including with greater cooperation on North Korea's military threats. Meanwhile, Kishida on Monday reiterated that Tokyo is open to talks with Pyongyang. North Korean state media on Monday published a statement from the country's vice minister of foreign affairs, appearing to endorse a conciliatory approach to relations with Japan -- an unusual stance from Pyongyang. If Japan avoids "being shackled by the past, and seeks a way out for improving the relations, there is no reason for the DPRK and Japan not to meet", said the statement from Pak Sang Gil, using the initials of North Korea's official name. Pak said, however, that Japan needs to move on from sticking points such as the "abduction issue" for ties to improve. Japan suspects dozens of people who are still missing were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies in the Japanese language and culture. The post North Korea confirms June launch of military spy satellite: KCNA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
FOCAP condemns Chinese embassy’s claims on ‘manipulated’ West Philippine Sea videos
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines strongly rejected and condemned yesterday China’s “false and baseless” claims that journalists manipulate videosthey recorded in the South China Sea to present the Philippines as a victim......»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
Opinion - South China Sea- Philippines must softly manage disputes or miss out economically
Manilas assertive transparency strategy is touted as a model for managing maritime disputes but it diminishes key economic opportunities. As Chinese investment pours into other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines must reduce geopolitical risks without acquiescing to Beijing......»»
India backs Philippines in dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»