MANILA, Philippines- Sinundan ng navy ng China ang joint sea at air activities ng Pilipinas sa Australia, Japan, at New Zealand sa West Philippine Sea, ayon sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nitong Linggo.
Inorganisa ng China’s People Liberation Army Southern Theater Command ang naval at air forces nito para sa routine reconnaissance, early warning, at sea-air patrol exercises malapit sa katubigang pumapaligid sa Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag, Scarborough Shoal) nitong Sabado, kasabay ng Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) kung saan nagsagawa rin ng drills ang naval at air force units ng Pilipinas, Australia, Japan, at New Zealand sa northern Luzon part ng West Philippine Sea.
Inihayag ni Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, na na-monitor ng Philippine ng militar ang Chinese navy vessels sa bisinidad ng exercise subalit ang multilateral exercise “proceeded as planned without any interference” at ang mga barko ng mga kalahok na bansa ay hindi nalagay sa panganib.
“While there were observations of PLAN vessels tailing during the MMCA, no reports were received regarding the conduct of the alleged Chinese military exercise,” giit pa ni Padilla
“The AFP views the MMCA as a pivotal demonstration of international cooperation, strengthening partnerships and enhancing the capabilities of allied nations. This collaborative approach is essential in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment in the region.”
“Recent Maritime Cooperative Activities with allied countries are integral to our Maritime Security Operations, aimed at strengthening our effective presence in the West Philippine Sea. We will continue to actively engage with regional and international partners, fostering alliances through joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives,” patuloy ng opisyal. RNT/SA
