Philippine President: “The goal is to strengthen the interoperability of the two militaries”
Chinese Embassy in the U.S.: “Country-to-country cooperation should not be aimed at third countries”
Tensions with China are expected to increase further as the Philippines begins joint patrols with the United States in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on the 21st (local time), Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said through revealed.
“This exercise is a testament to our commitment to strengthening the interoperability of our two militaries,” said President Marcos. “Through joint efforts, we aim to strengthen regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States to protect our common interests.” “I do it,” he emphasized.
He added, “I am confident that cooperation between the two countries will contribute to a safer and more stable environment for our people.”
This joint patrol will begin at Maburis Island, Batanes Province, the northernmost part of the Philippines, about 100km away from Taiwan, and will proceed within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
The Philippines deployed three naval ships, two FA-50 fighter jets, and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft for this patrol, while the United States dispatched a coastal combat ship and a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft.
After former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took office, joint patrols between Philippine and US troops were suspended due to his ‘pro-China actions’.
President Marcos, who took office in June of last year, showed signs of strengthening the alliance with the United States, and joint patrols were resumed.
The Chinese side revealed its discomfort with joint patrols between the two countries.
In response to a related question, Liu Fengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said, “China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability,” and added, “It should not escalate tensions or reduce trust between countries, and “It is even more unacceptable to target the three countries,” he said.
The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines has not yet released an official statement.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.