Amid Phl-US war games, China calls for peace

MANILA, Philippines - China called yesterday for actions that promote peace and security in the region, ahead of joint military drills of the Philippines and the United States.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told media in Beijing: “As for Philippines and US joint military drill, I have noticed this news. We hope relevant sides should take actions that are beneficial for maintaining peace and stability in the region, not the other way around.”

The STAR reported that naval forces from the Philippines and the US will hold joint exercises from June 27 to July 2 in the disputed waters of Zambales near Panatag Shoal, an area claimed by the Philippines but currently controlled by China.

A US Navy guided-missile destroyer and a Philippine Navy (PN) frigate will hold joint maneuvers close to Panatag Shoal, now under the de facto control of China, when the yearly Phl-US naval drill Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) opens today.

Being deployed with the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald are two rescue and salvage ships, UNS Safeguard and UNS Salvor, along with a contingent of US Marines and other specialized sailors.

Joining the US warships are PN frigate BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP EDSA 2 002, a Philippine Coast Guard search and rescue vessel.

In a statement, Naval Forces Northern Luzon commander Commodore Nodolfo Tejada said: “The Philippine Navy will be utilizing its newly acquired vessel BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15), a Navy aircraft, special boat team, diving team from the Naval Special Operations Group (Navsog), construction team from the Naval Engineers and a company of Marines to test their readiness and capability.”