Manila: The Philippines has deployed its air force for patrols over Chinese armed ships, infiltrating its territorial waters for the last four weeks. Also, Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that they would soon be increasing naval deployment in the region. At the same time, Lorenzana also called on China to withdraw its ships immediately. Meanwhile, the United States, Japan and Australia have severely rebuked China for infiltrating militia ships into the Philippine maritime borders. All three countries have said they supported the Philippines’ sovereignty.
At the start of the month, about 220 Chinese maritime militia vessels had entered the territorial waters near the Julian Felipe Reef in the Philippine waters. A few days ago, the Philippines had alleged that China had anchored ships into its territory without seeking permission. The Philippine government accused the vessels of being led by armed forces, which are military-trained militias. Besides, the country then called on China to withdraw the militia boats, criticising it of sending them to militarise the area.
However, even after four weeks, China has not withdrawn the ships from the area. Defence Minister Lorenzana announced launching the Philippine fighter jets for patrolling over the Chinese vessels in the wake of the events. The patrol will continue daily, and soon the Philippine naval destroyers, patrol boats will also be deployed in the area, Lorenzana added. The defence minister went on to warn that the Philippines is ready to protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
Two days ago, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated the 2016 ruling by the Hague International Court of Arbitration on the South China Sea. The International Court had rejected China’s claim to the maritime region and had warned it not to militarise the area, President Duterte highlighted. The United States, Japan, and Australia have also supported the sovereignty of the Philippines. Nevertheless, China has declined to comment on the matter.
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