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AFP won't imitate China's 'coercive, dangerous tactics' in WPS – Brawner
AFP won't imitate China's 'coercive, dangerous tactics' in WPS – Brawner
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not bow down to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) but it also refuses to commit the same “coercive and dangerous tactics” that the latter does.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. had this to say on Monday, August 28, as calls mount for the Philippines to challenge China’s behavior in the WPS.
“We will still practice maximum tolerance. We will try to avoid but we will go on with our mission,” Brawner said.
“For example, if that is a resupply mission, we will still continue but we will try to avoid them. We will not respond with also water cannoning. Although our ships have water cannons too, we will not do that. We will not also do the same coercive and dangerous tactics as that of China,” he added.
On Sunday, United States Navy's Seventh Fleet commander Vice Admiral Karl Thomas reportedly encouraged the Philippines to challenge China’s aggressive behavior in WPS, adding that Washington will support their cause.
Thomas and Japan Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet Vice Adm. Akira Saito visited the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Manila to pay a courtesy call on Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr.
A report from Reuters quoted Thomas as saying that there should be a change in the grey zone tactic if the opposing side is acting more aggressive by the day.
The National Defense College of the Philippines, citing an article published on the East Asia Forum, described the grey zone tactic as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”
In response, Brawner agreed with Thomas as he said that the Philippines is elevating its partnership with “like-minded” countries to advocate for a rules-based international order in the South China Sea.
“He is correct. We agree. The question is how will we do it [challenge China]? But we agree in principle. As to how do we do it, that’s why we are leveraging our alliances and our partnerships with like-minded countries,” the military chief stated.
“Alone facing a giant, we may not [be able to do it]. It’s like David and Goliath,” he continued.
Since the August 5 incident where the China Coast Guard fired water cannon at Philippine vessels delivering supplies to troops onboard BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the AFP has increased the frequency of its maritime patrols in WPS, according to Brawner.
The AFP is also mulling to conduct joint maritime patrols with US and Australia in the WPS among others.