Philippines says Chinese aircraft carriers conduct flight deck operation near the coast
go through Kenneth Christian L. Basilio and Adrian H. Halili, reporter
The Philippine Navy said Monday that a Chinese aircraft carrier discovered takeoff and landing exercises near its northern coast, possibly in response to military exercises between Southeast Asian countries and treaty allies in their annual Balikatan (shoulder vs. shoulder) war.
On April 25, Philippine Navy Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad conducted a flight deck operation about 123 miles (228 km) near Ilocos Norte Province on Monday, on April 25, on the escort of a warship.
He added: “The existence of Shandong Airlines Combat Group is about what is happening between the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) and other partner countries in Barcatan.”
The Philippine Navy last week monitored Chinese aircraft carriers, six escort ships and a spy ship sailing in the Luzon Strait, where the Philippines and U.S. forces conducted a week-long military exercise that adopted advanced U.S. anti-ship missile systems.
Military exercises were held in the Philippines, which faced hot spots in the South China Sea and Taiwan. They involved more than 14,000 soldiers from 20 countries and will last until May 9.
Beginning in 1991, Balikatan's exercises have evolved into the premier combat rehearsal in Southeast Asia as the Philippines and the United States seek to strengthen security cooperation and strengthen their response to China's growing confidence in the region.
According to the Indo-Pacific Command, the United States deployed its Nimitz aircraft carrier group to the Philippine Sea last week, where it conducts day and night flight operations and tests its ability to quickly deploy military vehicles in a variety of weather conditions.
Also on Monday, the Philippine military said it had air defense capability training in Zambales Province over the weekend, with advanced weapons deployed, such as ground air defense systems.
The Philippines' spy air defense system and the U.S. Navy's integrated air defense system shot down several aerial drones in the province's naval education, training and doctrine command base in the South China Sea.
“During the practice period, AFP and U.S. personnel collaborated to perceive and engage in the targets,” it said in a statement. “These systems are designed to detect airspace invasions and enhance overall force protection for Philippine and U.S. forces.”
The 'lie' sold
Meanwhile, the Philippines denied reports that Beijing has controlled the disputed reefs in the South China Sea.
“There is no truth in the claims of the Chinese Coast Guard,” said National Security Council spokesman Jonathan E. Malaya, who told the press conference separately that using the Philippine name Sandy Cay Reef, said. “The facts on the ground do not support this claim from the Chinese Coast Guard.”
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to Viber's information seeking comments.
Chinese state media reported last week that the Chinese Coast Guard declared sovereignty on Sandy Cay, a small reef west of Thitu Island, located on the north side of the Thitu reef in Spratly Islands, by landing on the sea and displaying the Chinese flag at sea.
The Philippines has been occupying Titu Island since 1971, where military posts are located, small communities where Filipinos live.
Mr. Malaya urged Beijing to avoid escalating tensions in already fluctuating waters by claiming the characteristics of its vacant land.
“If these things happen, if such irresponsible announcements and statements are released to the public, it is not the interest of any country nor the interest of any country,” he said.
He added: “We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Coast Guard to maintain the status quo at the seas of the West Philippines, again in line with the 2002 declaration of conduct.”
Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel urges the Foreign Ministry to raise diplomatic protests against China's alleged invasion of Sandy Cay.
“Our government should take appropriate action to protect our claims,” she said in a statement. “If we do not, this may even undermine our presence on the island of Pag-Asa.”
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza did not immediately respond to WhatsApp messages seeking comments.
The senator also called on the Philippine Coast Guard to strengthen its joint patrol in the region. “China’s unacceptable behavior not only violates international law, but also further keeps Filipino fishermen from their due waters.”
She added: “The heads taken by the photo and the assumed Chinese flag planting on Sandy Cay are just another spectacle carefully planned by Beijing. The lack of self-esteem will mean that China now has sovereign rights over it.”
Sandy Cay belongs to the Philippines, she said, “no islands jumping by the Chinese Coast Guard will mess with the truth.”
Additionally, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Estrada said the Sandy Cay incident was another attempt to “distort reality” and “disseminate fake news” in China.
“We must remain vigilant and firmly protect our sovereignty and maritime rights,” he said in a statement. “I urge our relevant agencies to clarify the situation and ensure that any violation of our territorial integrity is resolved as soon as possible.”
Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have not yet finalized a code of conduct in the controversial sea decades after signing the 2002 Non-binding Declaration, which calls on parties to “exercise self-control in action to complicate or escalate disputes and conduct peace and stability at sea”.
The South Asian Sea has become a flashpoint in Southeast Asia, and China continues to claim sovereignty almost entire maritime, seen as a crucial global trade route and is also considered rich in submarine gas and oil deposits.
Beijing has deployed a fleet of the Coast Guard to protect what it considers its territory, although a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling voids its illegal claims.
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique A.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tristan Tarriela accused China of “lie” about seeking maritime characteristics.
“We can already observe how the Chinese government plans their strategy,” he told the same briefing. “It always starts with lies.”
He added: “If we don't plan to fight a lie, they will run that lie and have any narrative they have.”
