South China Sea Forum
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cochine
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PH MILITARY HOT SPOT IN WPS, MAKE STRUCTURES STRONGER
Posted on March 19, 2017
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The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday (17 March) announced it will station ships and strengthen its military facilities on disputed islands and shoals in the West Philippine Sea internationally known as South China’s.
DND secretary Delfin Lorenzana disclosed the development plans after visiting a military base near Spratly Islands. “We will build a runway and a port, a pier, for our ships on Thitu,” Lorenzana said. “We are a bit blind in that area.”
Thitu is the second largest of the naturally occurring Spratly archipelago and the largest of the Philippine-administered Spratlys. It is close to Subi Reef, which is one of the seven artificial islands in the Spratlys. About 110 fishing community are thought to be living on Thitu, where China has placed its troops but not civilians.
China has built military-grade runways there that have the capability to deploy surface-to-air missiles. Besides, it has built civilian facilities like a lighthouse, which China said has played a positive role in guaranteeing navigation safety and is used in humanitarian rescue efforts.
Lorenzana added that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had approved to upgrade facilities not only on Thitu but on the eight other features in the South China Sea it occupies.
http://tankler.com/ph-military-hot-spot-in-wps-make-structures-stronger-13504
Posted on March 19, 2017
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The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday (17 March) announced it will station ships and strengthen its military facilities on disputed islands and shoals in the West Philippine Sea internationally known as South China’s.
DND secretary Delfin Lorenzana disclosed the development plans after visiting a military base near Spratly Islands. “We will build a runway and a port, a pier, for our ships on Thitu,” Lorenzana said. “We are a bit blind in that area.”
Thitu is the second largest of the naturally occurring Spratly archipelago and the largest of the Philippine-administered Spratlys. It is close to Subi Reef, which is one of the seven artificial islands in the Spratlys. About 110 fishing community are thought to be living on Thitu, where China has placed its troops but not civilians.
China has built military-grade runways there that have the capability to deploy surface-to-air missiles. Besides, it has built civilian facilities like a lighthouse, which China said has played a positive role in guaranteeing navigation safety and is used in humanitarian rescue efforts.
Lorenzana added that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had approved to upgrade facilities not only on Thitu but on the eight other features in the South China Sea it occupies.
http://tankler.com/ph-military-hot-spot-in-wps-make-structures-stronger-13504
Suika
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Vientam still has a weak economy. A weak economy cannot purchase advance military tech. But Vietnam's GDP growth rate is fast right now. They will have more money later to purchase new equipment. They are currently looking to buy T-90 tanks from Russia.
cochine
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SC Justice: Invoke defense treaty with US if China attacks Navy in Scarborough
March 20, 2017 PNA Nation 0
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Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Monday made recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte on how to respond to China’s reported plan to install a radar station in the disputed Panatag or Scarborough Shoal. In a statement, Carpio said the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces which is tasked by the Constitution to defend the country’s territory.
He pointed out that under Republic Act 9522 or the Philippines’ Baseline Law, Scarborough Shoal is part of the Philippine territory.
Carpio said since the Philippines is no match to China militarily, the President can fulfill his constitutional duty by doing any, some or all of the following:
1. File a strong formal protest against the Chinese building activity. This is the least that the President should do. This is what the Vietnamese did recently when China sent cruise tours to the disputed Paracels.
2. Send the Philippine Navy to patrol Scarborough Shoal. If the Chinese forces attack Philippine navy vessels, then the President can invoke the Philippines-US Mutual defense Treaty which covers any armed attack on Philippine navy vessels operating in the South China Sea.
3. Ask the United States to declare that Scarborough Shoal is part of Philippine territory for purposes of the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty since the shoal has been part of Philippine territory even during the American colonial period. The US has declared the Senkakus as part of Japanese territory for purposes of the US-Japan mutual defense treaty.
4. Accept the standing US offer to hold joint naval patrols in the South China Sea, which includes Scarborough Shoal. This will demonstrate joint Philippine and US determination to prevent China from building on Scarborough Shoal.
5. Avoid any act, statement or declaration that expressly or impliedly waives Philippine sovereignty to any Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea. This will preserve for future generations of Filipinos their national patrimony in the West Philippine Sea.
“This will preserve for future generations of Filipinos their natural patrimony in the West Philippine Sea,” Carpio said.
In 2012, China seized Panatag Shoal or the Scarborough Shoal after a standoff between Chinese and Filipino vessels. China is denying Filipino fishermen access to its rich fishing stock.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Panatag Shoal is a “common fishing ground” of fishermen not only from the Philippines but also from China and other neighboring countries.
http://www.update.ph/2017/03/sc-jus...us-if-china-attacks-navy-in-scarborough/15984
March 20, 2017 PNA Nation 0
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Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Monday made recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte on how to respond to China’s reported plan to install a radar station in the disputed Panatag or Scarborough Shoal. In a statement, Carpio said the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces which is tasked by the Constitution to defend the country’s territory.
He pointed out that under Republic Act 9522 or the Philippines’ Baseline Law, Scarborough Shoal is part of the Philippine territory.
Carpio said since the Philippines is no match to China militarily, the President can fulfill his constitutional duty by doing any, some or all of the following:
1. File a strong formal protest against the Chinese building activity. This is the least that the President should do. This is what the Vietnamese did recently when China sent cruise tours to the disputed Paracels.
2. Send the Philippine Navy to patrol Scarborough Shoal. If the Chinese forces attack Philippine navy vessels, then the President can invoke the Philippines-US Mutual defense Treaty which covers any armed attack on Philippine navy vessels operating in the South China Sea.
3. Ask the United States to declare that Scarborough Shoal is part of Philippine territory for purposes of the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty since the shoal has been part of Philippine territory even during the American colonial period. The US has declared the Senkakus as part of Japanese territory for purposes of the US-Japan mutual defense treaty.
4. Accept the standing US offer to hold joint naval patrols in the South China Sea, which includes Scarborough Shoal. This will demonstrate joint Philippine and US determination to prevent China from building on Scarborough Shoal.
5. Avoid any act, statement or declaration that expressly or impliedly waives Philippine sovereignty to any Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea. This will preserve for future generations of Filipinos their national patrimony in the West Philippine Sea.
“This will preserve for future generations of Filipinos their natural patrimony in the West Philippine Sea,” Carpio said.
In 2012, China seized Panatag Shoal or the Scarborough Shoal after a standoff between Chinese and Filipino vessels. China is denying Filipino fishermen access to its rich fishing stock.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Panatag Shoal is a “common fishing ground” of fishermen not only from the Philippines but also from China and other neighboring countries.
http://www.update.ph/2017/03/sc-jus...us-if-china-attacks-navy-in-scarborough/15984
samsara
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In the South China Sea, no sign of a thaw between China and the US
Mark Valencia says all signs point to a nervous status quo in the South China Sea – though an out-and-out war is unlikely, the prospects of a truce, even a temporary one, are bleak
Mark J. Valencia, 2017-03-10
If the Trump administration follows hawkish advice and pursues confrontational policies towards China, this could result in a true cold war, with all the negative ramifications for the region’s peace, stability, economics and politics. More worrying, this could break out in a “hot war” at any time. Illustration: Craig Stephens
There is an air of anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future of the contest between China and the US in the South China Sea. This is understandable given the wobbly leadership transition in the US, the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s policy towards China, and the equally uncertain Chinese reaction to it. Meanwhile, those favouring a US confrontation with China are clamouring for more aggressive US action, while others are urging caution.
In an optimistic best-case scenario, China and the US will make a pseudo – and temporary – grand bargain which the region’s countries will have to live with. That the US would even consider – let alone make – such a deal would indicate to all that it recognises and respects China’s status as a dominant regional power. This is really what China wants – for now.
Strategically, this would set the tone for the region – in essence a political and military stand-down. China would refrain from further occupation, construction and “militarisation” on its claimed features. It would also not undertake any provocative action like occupying and building on Scarborough Shoal, harassing other claimants in the area and declaring an air defence identification zone over the Spratlys. The US, in turn, would decrease or cease altogether its provocative freedom of navigation operations and its “close-in” intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance probes, which China says threaten its security. It would also refrain from belligerent actions like “blockading” China’s occupied features.
This scenario – a tense “agreement to disagree” – is not without its downside. Since nothing would be fully and finally resolved, it would probably result in intensifying competition – a “cool war” – between the two for soft-power influence in the region. This would intensify pressure on the region’s countries to pick and choose between them. It could even see stepped-up covert operations by both in the vulnerable countries, in which the two powers would support “friendly” domestic factions and foment opposition to its “enemy”. So this situation may simply be kicking the can down the road.
That the US would even consider such a deal would indicate to all that it respects China’s status as a dominant regional power. This is really what China wants – for now
Whatever its merits and demerits, this scenario is unlikely because of the pressure from military hawks and nationalists on both sides for their respective leaders to be more aggressive. More likely is a worse scenario in which the Trump administration follows hawkish advice and pursues across-the-board confrontational policies towards China in general, and in the South China Sea in particular.
This would result in a true cold war, with all the negative ramifications for the region’s peace, stability, economics and politics. More worrying, this cold war could break out in a “hot war” at any time.
Without a doubt, the worst scenario is out-and-out war. Many scenarios could lead to a military confrontation between China and the US that could escalate into war. The South China Sea issues are actually quite low on the list of likely triggers, when compared to a Chinese attack on Taiwan, a Chinese attack on the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (known to the Chinese as the Diaoyu Islands, and which the US has said fall under the Japan-US security treaty), or China’s military support for North Korea in a clash between it and South Korea (and the US).
Of course, any one of these clashes could spill over into the South China Sea. And there is always the likelihood of more “accidents” involving the Chinese and US warships and planes there.
This worst scenario, like the best, is also unlikely. One reason is that US President Donald Trump, whether out of strategic intent or dysfunctional character, is clearly inconsistent, unpredictable and downright scary – especially in foreign policy. China’s leaders just don’t know what to make of him. For the US, this is both good and bad. It is good in the sense that it makes potential adversaries like China think twice before calling the US’ bluff. But it is bad in that it compels China to prepare for the worst by building up its defences – particularly its navy and military cyber capabilities.
Another reason this scenario is unlikely for now is that despite its public bravado, the US military is a bit wary of taking on China’s anti-access/area denial strategy in a conventional war in China’s “home waters”. US military concerns include China’s probable use of overwhelming numbers of mines and missiles, and its rumoured capability to blind US command and control networks through attacks on critical US satellites and massive cyber strikes. The mutual economic damage that such a clash would wreak is also a deterrent.
The most likely scenario for the South China Sea is something in between – a “leaking” status quo. In this scenario, the US and China eye each other warily. They prepare for the worst but continue in a semi stand-off. Neither crosses the other’s red line. Both continue to enhance their military capabilities and presence in the region. Although this scenario is less than optimal, especially for other countries in the region, it is probably the best that can realistically be hoped for.
We are thus likely to see more of the same – dangerous incidents, threatening rhetoric, and more competition than cooperation, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations relegated to the sidelines. But a US-China war over the South China Sea is unlikely – for now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tillerson today. Xi Jinping in 2014. Weird, huh? - Patrick Chovanec
Mark Valencia says all signs point to a nervous status quo in the South China Sea – though an out-and-out war is unlikely, the prospects of a truce, even a temporary one, are bleak
Mark J. Valencia, 2017-03-10
If the Trump administration follows hawkish advice and pursues confrontational policies towards China, this could result in a true cold war, with all the negative ramifications for the region’s peace, stability, economics and politics. More worrying, this could break out in a “hot war” at any time. Illustration: Craig Stephens
There is an air of anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future of the contest between China and the US in the South China Sea. This is understandable given the wobbly leadership transition in the US, the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s policy towards China, and the equally uncertain Chinese reaction to it. Meanwhile, those favouring a US confrontation with China are clamouring for more aggressive US action, while others are urging caution.
In an optimistic best-case scenario, China and the US will make a pseudo – and temporary – grand bargain which the region’s countries will have to live with. That the US would even consider – let alone make – such a deal would indicate to all that it recognises and respects China’s status as a dominant regional power. This is really what China wants – for now.
Strategically, this would set the tone for the region – in essence a political and military stand-down. China would refrain from further occupation, construction and “militarisation” on its claimed features. It would also not undertake any provocative action like occupying and building on Scarborough Shoal, harassing other claimants in the area and declaring an air defence identification zone over the Spratlys. The US, in turn, would decrease or cease altogether its provocative freedom of navigation operations and its “close-in” intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance probes, which China says threaten its security. It would also refrain from belligerent actions like “blockading” China’s occupied features.
This scenario – a tense “agreement to disagree” – is not without its downside. Since nothing would be fully and finally resolved, it would probably result in intensifying competition – a “cool war” – between the two for soft-power influence in the region. This would intensify pressure on the region’s countries to pick and choose between them. It could even see stepped-up covert operations by both in the vulnerable countries, in which the two powers would support “friendly” domestic factions and foment opposition to its “enemy”. So this situation may simply be kicking the can down the road.
That the US would even consider such a deal would indicate to all that it respects China’s status as a dominant regional power. This is really what China wants – for now
Whatever its merits and demerits, this scenario is unlikely because of the pressure from military hawks and nationalists on both sides for their respective leaders to be more aggressive. More likely is a worse scenario in which the Trump administration follows hawkish advice and pursues across-the-board confrontational policies towards China in general, and in the South China Sea in particular.
This would result in a true cold war, with all the negative ramifications for the region’s peace, stability, economics and politics. More worrying, this cold war could break out in a “hot war” at any time.
Without a doubt, the worst scenario is out-and-out war. Many scenarios could lead to a military confrontation between China and the US that could escalate into war. The South China Sea issues are actually quite low on the list of likely triggers, when compared to a Chinese attack on Taiwan, a Chinese attack on the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (known to the Chinese as the Diaoyu Islands, and which the US has said fall under the Japan-US security treaty), or China’s military support for North Korea in a clash between it and South Korea (and the US).
Of course, any one of these clashes could spill over into the South China Sea. And there is always the likelihood of more “accidents” involving the Chinese and US warships and planes there.
This worst scenario, like the best, is also unlikely. One reason is that US President Donald Trump, whether out of strategic intent or dysfunctional character, is clearly inconsistent, unpredictable and downright scary – especially in foreign policy. China’s leaders just don’t know what to make of him. For the US, this is both good and bad. It is good in the sense that it makes potential adversaries like China think twice before calling the US’ bluff. But it is bad in that it compels China to prepare for the worst by building up its defences – particularly its navy and military cyber capabilities.
Another reason this scenario is unlikely for now is that despite its public bravado, the US military is a bit wary of taking on China’s anti-access/area denial strategy in a conventional war in China’s “home waters”. US military concerns include China’s probable use of overwhelming numbers of mines and missiles, and its rumoured capability to blind US command and control networks through attacks on critical US satellites and massive cyber strikes. The mutual economic damage that such a clash would wreak is also a deterrent.
The most likely scenario for the South China Sea is something in between – a “leaking” status quo. In this scenario, the US and China eye each other warily. They prepare for the worst but continue in a semi stand-off. Neither crosses the other’s red line. Both continue to enhance their military capabilities and presence in the region. Although this scenario is less than optimal, especially for other countries in the region, it is probably the best that can realistically be hoped for.
We are thus likely to see more of the same – dangerous incidents, threatening rhetoric, and more competition than cooperation, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations relegated to the sidelines. But a US-China war over the South China Sea is unlikely – for now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tillerson today. Xi Jinping in 2014. Weird, huh? - Patrick Chovanec
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TaiShang
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National South China Sea Museum lights up Qionghai
(People's Daily Online) 16:05, March 20, 2017
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017.
Construction of the main structure has already been finished. According to workers at the site, three to four exhibition halls will open to the public during the 2017 Bo'ao Forum for Asia, and the overall construction of the museum is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. The museum will be a key base for exhibiting the history and culture of the South China Sea. It will also serve to promote exchanges and cooperation among countries along the maritime Silk Road.
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
(People's Daily Online) 16:05, March 20, 2017
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017.
Construction of the main structure has already been finished. According to workers at the site, three to four exhibition halls will open to the public during the 2017 Bo'ao Forum for Asia, and the overall construction of the museum is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. The museum will be a key base for exhibiting the history and culture of the South China Sea. It will also serve to promote exchanges and cooperation among countries along the maritime Silk Road.
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
Photo shows the National South China Sea Museum glittering in the night in Qionghai, Hainan province, March 19, 2017. (Photo/IC)
cochine
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Coast Guard should patrol Scarborough – DFA
March 22, 2017 PNA Nation 0
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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is better to use Philippine Coast Guard ships instead of the Navy in patrolling the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc to avoid any provocative move.
“The position of DFA is to ask concerned government agencies to patrol Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) using civilian ships,” DFA Spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a text message Wednesday.
He said Coast Guard ships patrolling the area can immediately send information on any development there.
The DFA senior official is reacting to the statement made by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to send Navy ships instead of Coast Guards in the area.
However, Jose said sending Navy ships could be misinterpreted.
This after Hainan Daily newspaper recently published the statement made by Sansha Communist Party Secretary Xiao Jie, Mayor of Sansha City, saying that preparations were underway to build an environmental monitoring station on Bajo de Masinloc Shoal which is part of the West Philippine Sea where the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights.
Meanwhile, Jose said while waiting for the confirmation that there are moves to build another structure in the West Philippine Sea, the Coast Guard should patrol the area to protect Philippine territory.
He said that once it is confirmed that there is such, “we will file diplomatic protest.”
Jose pointed out that the Duterte administration is not abandoning the July 2016 ruling of the UN Arbitral Tribunal, favoring the Philippines but just avoiding possible armed confrontation with China.
He added that the announcement made by Jie does not “reflect the official position” of China.
http://www.update.ph/2017/03/coast-guard-should-patrol-scarborough-dfa/16036
March 22, 2017 PNA Nation 0
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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is better to use Philippine Coast Guard ships instead of the Navy in patrolling the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc to avoid any provocative move.
“The position of DFA is to ask concerned government agencies to patrol Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) using civilian ships,” DFA Spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a text message Wednesday.
He said Coast Guard ships patrolling the area can immediately send information on any development there.
The DFA senior official is reacting to the statement made by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to send Navy ships instead of Coast Guards in the area.
However, Jose said sending Navy ships could be misinterpreted.
This after Hainan Daily newspaper recently published the statement made by Sansha Communist Party Secretary Xiao Jie, Mayor of Sansha City, saying that preparations were underway to build an environmental monitoring station on Bajo de Masinloc Shoal which is part of the West Philippine Sea where the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights.
Meanwhile, Jose said while waiting for the confirmation that there are moves to build another structure in the West Philippine Sea, the Coast Guard should patrol the area to protect Philippine territory.
He said that once it is confirmed that there is such, “we will file diplomatic protest.”
Jose pointed out that the Duterte administration is not abandoning the July 2016 ruling of the UN Arbitral Tribunal, favoring the Philippines but just avoiding possible armed confrontation with China.
He added that the announcement made by Jie does not “reflect the official position” of China.
http://www.update.ph/2017/03/coast-guard-should-patrol-scarborough-dfa/16036
cochine
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@Viet Ignor thís fake Indonesian friend's trolls.
Incorrect to say there is nothing we can do to stop China – Gatchalian
March 22, 2017 Gracel Ortega Nation 0
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Senator Win Gatchalian today said that it is now the time for the Duterte administration to invoke the West Philippine Sea Arbitration ruling as China prepares to build a radar installation on the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. He also urged President Rodrigo Duterte to re-think his hands-off approach to the issue.
“It is incorrect to say that there is nothing we can do to stop China. We still have several legal and diplomatic options, all of which must be exhausted in defending Philippine territory from foreign aggression. The Philippines should never allow itself to be bullied by anyone, no matter how big and powerful that bully might be,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“The favorable decision in the Philippines vs. China case is a potent tool we can use to enforce our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. It is our duty to invoke this ruling and take action before international legal institutions to contest any further acts of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
The arbitration ruling in July 2016 declared that Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea had violated the Philippines’s sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The senator noted that the Scarborough Shoal, which sits less than 200 kilometers off the coast of Zambales, is a militarily significant position that must be protected at all costs.
“Chinese military activity so close to the Philippine mainland is an alarming national security risk that must be immediately addressed,” Gatchalian said.
“We cannot stop China from doing this thing. Di nga na-para ng Amerikano,” Duterte said during a press briefing prior to his departure to Myanmar Sunday. “So what do you want me to do? What do you want? Declare war against China? I can, but we’ll all lose our military and policemen tomorrow.”
“China is also our friend, and now we are now improving on the economy because of the help of China. Bakit ka naman mag walanghiya para magdaan lang,” Duterte said.
“I will not invoke the arbitral ruling now. But there will be a time in my term when I will bring the issue back on the table on the four square of the arbitral ruling and it will come,” he said.
“When? When they shall start to tinker with the entitlements. Tubig pa lang ngayon eh,” Duterte said.
Incorrect to say there is nothing we can do to stop China – Gatchalian
March 22, 2017 Gracel Ortega Nation 0
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Senator Win Gatchalian today said that it is now the time for the Duterte administration to invoke the West Philippine Sea Arbitration ruling as China prepares to build a radar installation on the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. He also urged President Rodrigo Duterte to re-think his hands-off approach to the issue.
“It is incorrect to say that there is nothing we can do to stop China. We still have several legal and diplomatic options, all of which must be exhausted in defending Philippine territory from foreign aggression. The Philippines should never allow itself to be bullied by anyone, no matter how big and powerful that bully might be,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“The favorable decision in the Philippines vs. China case is a potent tool we can use to enforce our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. It is our duty to invoke this ruling and take action before international legal institutions to contest any further acts of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
The arbitration ruling in July 2016 declared that Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea had violated the Philippines’s sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The senator noted that the Scarborough Shoal, which sits less than 200 kilometers off the coast of Zambales, is a militarily significant position that must be protected at all costs.
“Chinese military activity so close to the Philippine mainland is an alarming national security risk that must be immediately addressed,” Gatchalian said.
“We cannot stop China from doing this thing. Di nga na-para ng Amerikano,” Duterte said during a press briefing prior to his departure to Myanmar Sunday. “So what do you want me to do? What do you want? Declare war against China? I can, but we’ll all lose our military and policemen tomorrow.”
“China is also our friend, and now we are now improving on the economy because of the help of China. Bakit ka naman mag walanghiya para magdaan lang,” Duterte said.
“I will not invoke the arbitral ruling now. But there will be a time in my term when I will bring the issue back on the table on the four square of the arbitral ruling and it will come,” he said.
“When? When they shall start to tinker with the entitlements. Tubig pa lang ngayon eh,” Duterte said.
Nike
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hoangsa74
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Indonesia is building submarines, 2000 tonne corvette, transport aircraft. What does vietnam produce? Bullet?
Stop bragging and start working.
cochine
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Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is not a United Nations agency where China or USA is SC member, so that China nor USA, she couldn't interferences in to the affairs . So PCA is impartial in the issue
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) was established in 1899 to facilitate the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The PCA is an intergovernmental organisation with a growing number of Member States, currently 121, included China. China has signed in to UNCLOS too.
China has to obey the rule of Human kind.
terranMarine
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Obviously Viet is suffering from superiority complex
Vietnam was over a thousand years under China's rule, the French took over afterwards. Then Japan conquered Vietnam during WW2 and then came the US who totally devastated Vietnam for 20 years but thanks to China's assistance those Vietcongs managed to hold that long until the US withdrew back home. So the constant bragging of defeating the Mongols, the US is nothing more than what is described as suffering from inferiority complex and he intends to hide it with the constant bragging of how the Viets managed to defeat such strong opponents all by itself.
Vietnam was over a thousand years under China's rule, the French took over afterwards. Then Japan conquered Vietnam during WW2 and then came the US who totally devastated Vietnam for 20 years but thanks to China's assistance those Vietcongs managed to hold that long until the US withdrew back home. So the constant bragging of defeating the Mongols, the US is nothing more than what is described as suffering from inferiority complex and he intends to hide it with the constant bragging of how the Viets managed to defeat such strong opponents all by itself.
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terranMarine
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You deny the millenium domination by China? You deny Vietnam was a French colony? For a large part of your history you were not independent. Someone who is in denial telling others to learn the correct history is ironic
Why don't you tell us how many years China was not under Han rule? You want to talk about correct history right then educate us how many years was Vietnam under Viet rule. Lets make a comparison that is if you dare.
Tom99
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So Philippines was wrong when it said about the "July 2016 ruling of the UN Arbitral Tribunal"?
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