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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP to study China's proposal for joint military drills; Filipinos react on social media

AFP to study China's proposal for joint military drills; Filipinos react on social media

Published Jul 29, 2023 08:24 am
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will look into China’s proposal for the conduct of joint exercises with its military although some social media users appear cold to the idea due to the latter’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

*AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo by AFP)

* Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, said the military leadership will also consult with higher authorities to discuss the effects of the possible joint military drills between the two countries. “The Chief of Staff, AFP [Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.] just listened. He said he will study if there is a proposal, and he will seek guidance from higher authority,” Aguilar told the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, July 29. Brawner revealed on Thursday, July 27, that China offered the AFP the prospect of the joint drills during the 96th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is the military arm of Beijing.  Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian pitched the idea to Brawner. “They offered us that prospect. But we will have to study that further,” Brawner said. On social media, netizens shared how they feel about China’s proposal. “Seriously, how and why would AFP conduct joint military exercise with China when 1) they invade our territory (West Philippine Sea) and 2) surely our training doctrine are vastly different with ours more US-centric. What secrets in how we operate will they learn?” asked [one Twitter user.](https://twitter.com/zryanverse/status/1684880271559274496) “Isang malaking katangahan kapag pumayag ang Pilipinas sa alok ng China na magkaroon ng isang military exercise kuno! West Philippine Sea nga ‘di sila mapasunod nang maayos kahit may [bilateral] agreement na. What for? Isang malaking pakulo ng China ‘yan para mapag-aralan ang galawan ng AFP ng Pilipinas (It’s a big mistake if the Philippines agrees to the offer of China to hold military exercise. In West Philippine Sea alone, they do not abide by the rules. What for? It’s a big strategy by China to study the tactics of the Philippines’ AFP),” one Facebook user stated on the other hand. For [another Facebook user](https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02FXK3ZMrzvNtGhB64rTU1gdhu6y9tbZo5F7cTAKhq5F32TrRmi57mBXYiSdwRL5SEl&id=100002590654782&mibextid=Nif5oz), the idea of joint military drills between Manila and Beijing could be possible “if they stop bullying our fishermen, coast guard, and navy.” The netized added: "Dismantle first your artificial island inside our [territory] and respect UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]." The AFP and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have revealed several instances of China’s aggressive behavior towards Filipino fishermen, soldiers, and coast guardians in the West Philippine Sea. Among these include the swarming of Chinese maritime militia vessels in Philippine-occupied and claimed territories, the shadowing and dangerous maneuvers on Filipino navy and coast guard vessels, and the pointing of laser by their military ships towards PCG personnel among others. Both China and Philippines have overlapping territorial claims in the vast South China Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) awarded a tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines which invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Meeting with US generals

 Meanwhile, Brawner met with United States generals and flag officers comprising its US CAPSTONE Pacific 23-4 program on Friday, July 28, as he discussed the vital role of the AFP in the Indo-Pacific Region. Capstone is a five-week course for newly selected generals and flag officers that will equip them with a comprehensive understanding of joint military doctrines. The 19-member delegates were led by Admiral Harry Harris (Ret), former Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and former commander of the then US Pacific Command.  "The interaction was vital in giving the delegates first-hand insights to national defense and security objectives of the AFP and its position in the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region," said Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of AFP public affairs office. "During their meeting, General Brawner Jr. answered questions from the course fellows, mainly his priorities as the new CSAFP, future plans for the AFP modernization program, international defense and security engagements, take aways from PH-US exercises and trainings, and policies pertaining the West Philippine Sea," he added.

Related Tags

military exercises AFP General Romeo Brawner Jr. PH-China
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