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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Joint patrol by PH, US in WPS not meant to escalate tension with China -- AFP

Joint patrol by PH, US in WPS not meant to escalate tension with China -- AFP

Published Nov 22, 2023 06:35 am
AFP patrol.jpg
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) deploys FA-50PH light combat aircraft during the launching of a joint maritime and aerial patrol by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Indo-Pacific Command in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 21, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

The joint maritime and aerial patrol conducted by the Philippines and United States in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is not intended to antagonize China and raise tension in the hotly contested waters in the South China Sea.

Col. Medel Aguilar, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), asserted this Wednesday, Nov. 22, as he said the joint patrol "is not a show of force" against the Asian powerhouse.

"It is not meant to escalate the tension and all our actions and intentions are in accordance with international laws and conventions. It is a show of our firm resolve to assert our sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and commitment to uphold such conventions that promote peaceful resolution of maritime conflicts. We hope and expect China to do the same," Aguilar said.

The AFP and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) kicked off their maritime cooperative activity (MCA) on Nov. 21 aimed at "further enhancing interoperability and fostering regional cooperation between the long-standing allies."

The activity commenced with a joint patrol in the vicinity of Batanes and will end in the West Philippine Sea on Nov. 23.

It involves three navy vessels, two FA-50PH light combat aircraft, and one A-29B Super Tucano attack aircraft from the side of the AFP while the US sent one littoral combat ship (LCS) and one P8-A patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

"The objective is very clear, that is to promote rules-based international order, to maintain peace and stability in the region," Aguilar said.

"There is no reason for any other party to take this activity against us or against the US kasi wala tayong nilalabag na batas dito (we are not violating any law here). Kung mayroon man po na isang party na gagawa ng aksyon na ikakasira or magreresulta sa gulo (If there is any party that will disrupt this activity or create havoc), then it is their problem and it is them to be blamed," he noted.

China has yet to react to the joint patrol launched by the Philippines and US.

However, Aguilar said he expects that China will respect the activity as it is done within the bounds of international law.

"I don't know how will they react but we hope and expect China will do the same [obey international law]," he noted.

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