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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gibo says AFP adopts new defense concept as China's Xi coordinates preparations for conflicts at sea

Gibo says AFP adopts new defense concept as China's Xi coordinates preparations for conflicts at sea

Published Mar 8, 2024 07:14 am
pcg ayungin.jpeg
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Sindangan collides with a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship during a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal on March 5, 2024. (Photo by PCG)

The Department of National Defense (DND) said that a new defense concept is now being implemented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect and secure the country's territory as Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly directed his military to coordinate and prepare for potential maritime conflicts.

Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. said the DND and AFP have embarked on the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

"In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in order to ensure that our people and all the generations of Filipinos to come shall freely reap and enjoy the bounties of the natural resources that are rightfully ours within our domain," Teodoro said on Friday, March 8.

"I emphasize that this a strategic action and will not need constant directives to carry out. I, thus, urge our commanders and units in the AFP to exert all efforts to operationalize the CADC," he noted.

The CADC was first introduced by Teodoro in January during a forum in Makati City. He explained that it would guarantee the safety and security for Filipino citizens, Philippine corporations and those authorized by the national government to explore and exploit the country’s natural resources within the Philippine's EEZ.

Further, he said that will also serve as a foundation in the long-term protection of Philippine interests and nationals especially in relation to resources and economic activities relating to the oceans and the seas within the country’s jurisdiction.

Teodoro made the remarks after Xi, according to reports, called on the Chinese military to "coordinate preparations for military conflicts at sea, protect the country's maritime rights and interests and the development of the maritime economy."

Both the Philippines and China have overlapping maritime claims in the South China Sea, majority of which is being claimed by Beijing based on their so-called historical rights.

However, such claim was already debunked by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in a 2016 arbitral ruling, which also ruled in favor of the Philippines' claims in the area in the South China Sea that is located within its 200-nautical mile EEZ or the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Last Tuesday, four Philippine personnel were injured when China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels fired water cannons and performed dangerous maneuvers which led to a collision with a Philippine vessel during a resupply mission in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the WPS.

Related Tags

AFP DND PH-China West Philippine Sea
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