Philippines commissions US ships due to China’s ‘illegal activities’ in South China Sea.
The Philippine Navy has received a boost to its capabilities with the commissioning of two Cyclone-class patrol ships donated by the United States. These ships, BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa, will play a crucial role in coastal patrols, humanitarian support, and disaster relief operations.
“They will enhance the Navy’s capacity to defend our maritime nation’s interest and bolster our adaptability [in] addressing various security challenges, from piracy and illicit activities to disaster response and maritime law enforcement,” said Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci.
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The vessels, formerly known as USS Monsoon and USS Chinook, were initially stationed in Bahrain. The U.S. Navy decommissioned the ships on March 28 and transferred them to the Philippines under the Excess Defense Article program.
These ships will be integrated into the Philippine Navy’s Alvarez-class patrol ships, which are essential in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment surrounding the country.
The Philippines has taken steps to counter illegal entry by Chinese vessels into its territorial waters, including joint patrols with the United States and Australia. Recently, there was a tense encounter between Philippine and Chinese ships when eight Chinese ships allegedly tried to block two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships in Ayungin Shoal.
The PCG reported that the Chinese ships engaged in dangerous maneuvers while the PCG ships were on a resupply mission. Despite the incident, the resupply mission was successful.
PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela called on the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia to cease any illegal activities within the maritime zones of the Philippines.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern about China’s “illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing” and the militarization of reclaimed features in the South China Sea.
Mr. Marcos has previously stated that the Philippines will persistently pursue dialogue and diplomatic approaches while ensuring the protection of its territory.
Beijing claims much of the South China Sea as its own territory, disregarding the ruling of the Hague Tribunal in favor of the Philippines in 2016.
Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei have also clashed with China over its claims in the South China Sea. China recently published a new “10-dash line” map, which has been met with objections from neighboring countries.
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