THE military has observed a significant decrease in the number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea in the South China since the Philippines and China agreed to de-escalate tension in the area two weeks ago, the Navy said yesterday.
There were 153 Chinese vessels monitored in the area before the convening of the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on July 2, said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea.
Trinidad, in a press briefing at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, said Chinese and Philippine representatives had a “frank and constructive discussion on the situation in the South China Sea” and “affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions.”
“For the past month, the highest number (of Chinese vessels) based on our monitoring was 153 PLA (People’s Liberation Army), Coast Guard and maritime militia (vessels),” said Trinidad.
Based on their monitoring for the period July 9 to 15, only 104 Chinese vessels were monitored, he said.
“There was a decrease. Whether this is because of the BCM, it still remains to be seen,” said Trinidad.
“We will know about this when we conduct the next RoRe (rotation and reprovisioning). But for now, our basis for our assessment is the number of ships that we have monitored,” said Trinidad.
The last RoRe conducted by the Armed Forces for its troops stationed at the Philippine-held Ayungin Shoal was on June 17. The RoRe was harassed by the Chinese, causing severe injury to a Philippine Navy sailor. The Chinese took seven firearms and other equipment of the soldiers and destroyed P60 million worth of equipment, including two rigid-hull inflatable boats.
Trinidad declined to say when the next RoRe at Ayungin Shoal will be conducted, saying details of such missions are with the AFP Western Command based in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.
As to actions taken by the Armed Forces to deescalate tension, Trinidad said they will just continue what they have been doing in the area.
“We will ensure that our actions are not escalatory. We will continue the RoRe missions. We will continue our maritime air surveillance flight, we will continue securing our features and the integrity of the national territory in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Trinidad said all of the AFP actions in the West Philippine Sea are governed by the rules of engagement and international law.
“Again, we have never been escalatory in our actions… Our actions will have to be within the rules of engagement and international law, they will not be escalatory… No changes, we will continue performing our mandate,” said Trinidad.
On Monday, American maritime expert Ray Powell reported a Chinese vessel, conducting “intrusive patrol,” was monitored some 60 nautical miles off Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro.
Trinidad said the military is aware of the presence of the Chinese ship and this is not alarming. He noted that the vessel merely “transited 60 nautical miles west of mainland of Luzon.”
“The Philippine Navy has monitored the presence. It was a continuous passage west of Lubang Island, 60 nautical miles from mainland Luzon….(It’s) freedom of navigation, yes,” he said.
DEFENSE COOPERATION
Visiting Gen. Charles Brown Jr, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US armed forces, and AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr yesterday discussed measures meant to bolster relations of the two militaries.
“Our alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of our national security,” Brawner said during the high-level meeting held at the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday afternoon.
Brown arrived in the country last Monday for a “series of engagements” with Brawner and other Philippine military officials, the US Department of Defense (DOD) said.
The DOD said Brown “will tour one of the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites during his visit” to the Philippines.
There are nine EDCA sites, all co-located at AFP facilities. The Americans are allowed to put up structures in these areas for prepositioning of equipment.
“Through continued collaboration and mutual support, we fortify our defense capabilities and ensure the stability of our region,” said Brawner, referring to the two armed forces.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said the meeting “underscored their commitment to Philippine-United States’ longstanding military alliance.”
Trinidad said the discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, strengthening joint military exercises, and addressing regional security challenges.
