No joint Philippines-US patrols near China's artificial islands

MANILA, Philippines - The government is unaware of any plan to hold joint patrols and naval exercises with the United States in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

"What we are aware of are Mutual Defense Treaty-related exercises which had been planned previously," Defense Spokesman Peter Galvez said in a text message forwarded by Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

Last week, the Financial Times and the Navy Times reported that the US will sail warships near China's artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea within the next two weeks.

This will signify that the US does not recognize China's territorial claims over the area, the reports said.

The American warships will reportedly sail within the 12-nautical-mile zones that China claims as territory around some of the islands it has constructed in the Spratlys.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) supported the supposed maritime move of the US, saying it "would be consistent with international law and a rules-based order for the region."

The DFA said "failure to challenge false claims of sovereignty would undermine this order and lead China to the false conclusion that its claims are accepted as a fait accompli."

"It is important for the international community to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea," the DFA said. "This is of paramount concern to all countries." - Louis Bacani with AP