Australian shipbuilder Austal Philippines disclosed plans to construct military vessels that rival–if not surpass–the Chinese fleet in the West Philippine Sea.
Austal Philippines president Wayne Murray revealed ongoing discussions to develop a vessel tailored to the Coast Guard’s specific needs.
He added that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) outlined ambitious plans for fleet expansion, and Austal Philippines aims to play a significant role in fulfilling these requirements.
While the specifics of the contract are still being defined, Austal is actively working with the Coast Guard’s technical team to determine the vessel’s range, endurance, crew requirements, and other essential features.
Austal Philippines is confident in its ability to deliver high-quality vessels, drawing upon the extensive experience of its head office in supplying water vessels to the Australian Border Force for over two decades.
Apart from traditional shipbuilding, Austal Philippines is also venturing into cutting-edge technologies, including plans to develop a hydrogen-powered vessel.
The National Security Council (NSC) meanwhile said the Philippines is “not a pawn of the US.”
This after a Chinese military official warned that it “will never have any patience” if Washington “moves its pawns behind the scenes.”
Chinese Army Lieutenant General He Lei, in an ABS-CBN News report, said the “People’s Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment” in the South China Sea, without naming any specific country.
NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, quoted by the same report, said the council does not believe the Chinese official was referring to the Philippines.
“We do not feel alluded to. The Philippines is not and will never be a pawn of the United States,” Malaya told ABS-CBN News.
He also said he agrees with the Chinese army’s hope for a peaceful South China Sea, but emphasized that the Philippines will stand by its position in the West Philippine Sea, as backed by international law.
“As a sovereign nation, the Philippines will resolutely defend its territorial integrity, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”
The US has also publicly condemned China’s aggressive actions towards Philippine ships and aircraft in these waters, reinforcing its commitment to the security and sovereignty of its ally.
