Philippines to increase naval deployment in the South China Sea for the

Manila: The Philippines Military Chief warned that the authority given by China, to its coast guard to act against any foreign ship that is a perceived threat, is very dangerous. Philippines military chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana clarified that the Philippines would be increasing its naval deployment to counter this Chinese aggression. Meanwhile, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned that the United States would have to provide funds to Philippines, if it is interested in continuing the military cooperation agreement.

Last month, a special law was passed for the Chinese coast guard. As per the new law, the Chinese Coast guard is allowed to use weapons against foreign ships. The law orders the Chinese Coast guard ‘If any threat is perceived to the Chinese sovereignty, sovereign rights or marine sector, in the East and the South China Sea, from a foreign organisation or individual, use the weapons. Intense reactions have been received from the Southeast Asian countries over the new Chinese law.

Philippines military chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said ‘The Chinese announcement to launch an attack on entry into the marine region is dangerous. To counter that, the Philippines will be increasing its naval deployment in the region. This increased deployment is not for declaration of a war against China, but for the security of the Philippines citizens.’ The Philippines’ foreign ministry also has expressed strong resentment over the powers awarded to the Chinese coast guard.

The foreign department warned that although Implementing a law is a sovereign right, the Chinese steps pose a direct threat to the Philippines’ legal movements. If China starts implementation of the law, it will be strongly opposed. Meanwhile, Philippines President Duterte has taken an adamant stand on the issue of US-Philippines defence cooperation agreement. Duterte warned that if the ‘Visiting Forces Deal’ between the United States and the Philippines is to keep alive, the United States will have to make additional funds available to the Philippines. Only last week, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said that the agreement was critical while speaking about the Philippines’ defence agreement. But there is discontent in the Philippines over the agreement. Moreover, the demand raised by President Duterte is a part of the same discontent.