China has begun conducting “combat readiness patrols” around Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to defend its sovereignty, a Beijing official said on Thursday.
The Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command said these air and naval patrols are aimed at “enhancing vigilance” in the region.
Scarborough Shoal, located 240 km from the Philippines and nearly 900 km from China, has been a site of frequent clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels, leading to injuries and damages.
Tensions have increased with the Philippines passing two laws defining its sea boundaries, provoking a strong response from China.
Additionally, a new security agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines has further aggravated the situation.
China has vowed to continue patrols and law enforcement in the region, warning that alliances like that between Washington and Manila could destabilize the area.
Manila Standard sought comments from the AFP but it had yet to respond as of this writing.
As this developed, Defense Senior Undersecretary Ireneo Espino met with General Uchikura Hiroaki, Chief of Staff of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to discuss the pending ratification of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which is awaiting Senate approval after its first hearing on November 25.
On Friday, Uchikura expressed hope that the RAA would enhance cooperation between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and JASDF, particularly in strengthening interoperability and joint maritime and air domain awareness capabilities.
Espino also thanked Japan for its continued support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization, including the provision of coastal radars under Japan’s Official Security Assistance program.
AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. echoed this sentiment, thanking the Japanese official for his country’s continued support to enhancing the AFP’s capabilities, as well as its humanitarian assistance during recent disasters that have affected the country.
