Año to China: Joint maritime patrols not provocative

MANILA, Philippines — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año lashed back at China yesterday over its most recent statements accusing the Philippines of engaging in provocative actions through its joint maritime activities with the United States in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The Chinese spokesman referred to these activities as ‘provocative military activities’ and deemed them as ‘irresponsible’,” Año said.

“We wish to clarify that the joint maritime activities between the Philippines and the United States were clearly conducted within our exclusive economic zone and are consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, so how can they be deemed provocative?” he asked.

Año stressed that the Philippines is merely exercising its sovereign right to engage in such activities within its territory and such exercises are aimed at enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities and interoperability with the US, a treaty partner, to ensure the security and stability of the region.

“The joint patrol emphasizes our ability to work seamlessly together to ensure the readiness of our joint forces to address evolving security challenges. Our joint patrols with the United States and potential future activities with other allied countries show our mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and promoting peace and stability of the region,” he said.

“It also demonstrates the significant improvement in the Philippines’ defense capabilities and the development of a world-class navy and armed forces capable of carrying out its mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the Philippines and our maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Año clarified that the Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command held their 2nd maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Jan. 3 and 4, where four Philippine Navy vessels and air assets teamed up with four US Navy vessels from the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 which included an aircraft carrier, a cruiser, two destroyers and multiple combat aircraft.

As the MCA was being held, at least two Chinese ships shadowed or tailed Philippine and American vessels, with China later claiming that it was also conducting patrol operations in the area.

Port visits

CSG-1 flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson together with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd and USS Sterett are now in Manila for port visits, demonstrating renewed strength of the Philippine-US alliance.

“Our two countries share democratic values, close cultural ties and our alliance has stood strong for over 72 years. As our oldest treaty ally in East Asia, the Philippines has shown their unwavering commitment in helping secure a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of CSG-1 said.

During their stay in Manila, the US Navy said sailors from the carrier strike group will participate in cultural exchanges, community relations events and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored tours to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Before arriving in Manila, the US Navy said the CSG-1 conducted trilateral maritime exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy, which provided an opportunity for the three maritime forces to sail together and conduct enhanced planning and advanced maritime communication operations.

CSG-1 departed San Diego for regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific on Oct. 12, 2023 and since entering the US 7th Fleet area of operations, the group participated in the Multi-Large Deck Event and Annual Exercise 2023 in the Philippine Sea.