US-PH defense alliance getting on China’s nerves – analysts
The Philippine Navy has challenged China’s People Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) monitored presence during the multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea with the United States and Japan naval forces Friday.
The PLAN vessel, identified by the bow number 574, came as close as eight nautical miles to the exercise area where naval forces of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan were present.
“Initially, the Chinese vessel was not responding, but because of our efforts to constantly challenge then, they responded that they are just conducting normal navigation,” Commander Irvin Ian Robles, commanding officer of the BRP Jose Rizal , told reporters onboard the Philippine warship.
“We were able to safely conduct the series of activities andthey were all successful,” he added.
The Philippine contingent included the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal, an AW-109 helicopter, a C-90 aircraft, and the Air Force’s search-and-rescue assets.
Japan contributed the multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) accompanied by the maritime helicopter SH-60K while the United States participated with the guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), the multi-mission naval helicopter MH-60R, and the maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon.
The exercise, which coincided with the visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, featured a variety of activities, such as communications checks, rotary flight operations, maritime domain awareness and contact reporting, division tactics, personnel exchanges, and photo exercises.
“We are really proud to support our allies in the Indo-Pacific and it goes so far to build these relationships and get us closer to our goal which is a free and open Indo-Pacific for all of us,” USS Shoup Air Department Detachment Officer Lt. Alexander Horvath said.
The exercise was conducted southeast of Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.
Meanwhile, analysts on Saturday said the enhanced defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States was an “effective” strategy to deter conflict in the WPS after satellite images obtained by international news agency Reuters showed China deployed two long-range H-6 bombers this week near Scarborough Shoal.
De La Salle University professor Renato de Castro said the deployment of two Chinese bombers was proof that efforts to beef up the military partnership between the Philippines and the US are effective.
“The fact that China is reacting means it is effective. It has been affected. It is not just afraid. It is really angry because we are making them afraid,” he said.
“When it comes to national defense, this is really a sovereign act,” De Castro added.
Geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gill agreed, saying China’s latest move is “quite expected.”
He said Hegseth’s visit to the country signals the US’ strong commitment to helping the Philippines in its maritime row with China.
Beijing on Friday said there ‘’has never been a problem’’ with freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said amid Hegseth’s remarks on Friday that Manila and Washington should strengthen deterrence against threats, including Chinese “aggression.”
‘’The US needs to get rid of its Cold War mentality, stop creating ideological confrontation, stop sowing tension in the region and discord between its countries, and stop being the disrupter and provocateur in the South China Sea. We also call on the Philippines to stop creating instability with U.S. backing, still less seek military confrontation,” Guo said.