NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año said military exercises between the Philippines and allied countries, including Australia, are not intended to disturb peace in the region.
“The actions of the Philippines are never threats to regional peace and security,” said Año in a statement on Saturday afternoon, two days after Chinese defense ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang criticized “Exercise Alon 2025” between Philippines and Australia.
The exercise, conducted from August 15 to 29, included naval drills in the contested West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the South China Sea.
Zhang accused the Philippines of repeatedly courting “influence from outside powers to make waves in this area, playing the role of an ass in a lion’s skin.”
“Reality has proven time and again that the Philippine side is the one who undermines stability and causes troubles in the South China Sea,” added Zhang.
China has become more aggressive in its claim over the West Philippine Sea in the past years and has harassed Philippine government ships and aircraft, and even Filipino fishing boats.
“Our Navy, Coast Guard, and BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessels are not the ones doing intimidation, harassment and aggression against other vessels,” said Año.
“Our joint air and sea patrols and multilateral exercises with allies and partners, such as the recently concluded Exercise ALON 2025, are routinary activities with security partners in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rule of law,” he also said.
He said these activities demonstrate that the Philippine government’s commitment to regional peace and stability “is reinforced by joint readiness to address contemporary security challenges and is capable of responding to any and all emerging threats.”
Año also welcomed the results of a survey conducted recently by OCTA Research that showed 76 percent of Filipinos strongly support defending the Philippines’ maritime rights.
“This is a powerful expression of unity and patriotism. Our people are resolute in standing up for what is rightfully ours,” said Año.
On the survey result that 85 percent of Filipino continue to distrust China and 74 percent see China as the greatest threat, Año said, “This only strengthens the call for vigilance and national solidarity.”
“It affirms that the Filipino people understand the challenges we face and are firmly behind the government’s efforts to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and territorial integrity,” he added.
Año said government, strengthened by the people’s support, “will never waver in upholding our rights and jurisdiction” under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and domestic laws, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
He said the Philippine government will continue enhancing its defense and maritime capabilities, deepening its alliances with like-minded nations, and “working tirelessly for peace and stability in the region.”
“The voice of the people is clear: asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea is not only a matter of government policy, it is a national cause. With the strong and unequivocal support of the Filipino people, we remain steadfast and determined,” he added.
