Philippines, US national security heads discuss sea row

MANILA, Philippines — Top security officials of the Philippines and the United States have expressed grave concern over China’s continuing and latest acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke by phone on Tuesday to exchange information on the current maritime security situation in the region and how both can work together in addressing this.

The National Security Council (NSC) said they “particularly raised grave concerns on the recent illegal, aggressive and dangerous actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army-Air Force against a Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting a routine maritime security operation over Bajo de Masinloc.”

Both also discussed how China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels harassed and rammed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships in the area of the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal while en route to Patag Island and Lawak Island.

The NSC said both security advisers look forward to the implementation of strategic priorities to accelerate the Philippines’ capability development and to continuously modernize the alliance.

Sullivan also lauded the recently concluded inaugural Philippines-Vietnam joint coast guard exercise and Manila’s efforts to expand the conduct of maritime cooperative activities with like-minded countries in the region and beyond.

Following Monday’s ramming incident that damaged a PCG vessel, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has committed to increase its presence and aerial and naval patrol operations in the WPS.

The military gave assurance that it will not be deterred and will continue to defend and secure the country’s rights and sovereignty within its exclusive economic zone.

International maritime security expert Ray Powell accused China of gaslighting the Philippines over the disputed WPS.

In an interview with “Storycon” on One News on Tuesday, Powell said China is maintaining its “typical” behavior of blaming the country whenever an incident caused by CCG’s unlawful and aggressive maneuvers occurred in WPS.

China has issued a false narrative about the incident on Monday, pinning the blame on the PCG’s vessels.

“This is pretty typical of