Año to China: Joint maritime patrols not provocative

MANILA, Philippines — National Security Adviser Eduardo Año lashed back at China yesterday over its most recent statements accusing the Philippines of engaging in provocative actions through its joint maritime activities with the United States in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The Chinese spokesman referred to these activities as ‘provocative military activities’ and deemed them as ‘irresponsible’,” Año said.

“We wish to clarify that the joint maritime activities between the Philippines and the United States were clearly conducted within our exclusive economic zone and are consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, so how can they be deemed provocative?” he asked.

Año stressed that the Philippines is merely exercising its sovereign right to engage in such activities within its territory and such exercises are aimed at enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities and interoperability with the US, a treaty partner, to ensure the security and stability of the region.

“The joint patrol emphasizes our ability to work seamlessly together to ensure the readiness of our joint forces to address evolving security challenges. Our joint patrols with the United States and potential future activities with other allied countries show our mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and promoting peace and stability of the region,” he said.

“It also demonstrates the significant improvement in the Philippines’ defense capabilities and the development of a world-class navy and armed forces capable of carrying out its mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the Philippines and our maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Año clarified that the Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command held their 2nd maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Jan. 3 and 4, where four Philippine Navy vessels and air assets teamed up with four US Navy vessels from the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 which included an aircraft