DFA chief: PHL investing in defense 'at levels never before seen' amid row with China

From GMA News (Apr 5): DFA chief: PHL investing in defense 'at levels never before seen' amid row with China

The Philippines is investing in defense "at levels never before seen" amid "excessive and exaggerated maritime and territorial claims," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Friday.

Speaking at the opening ceremonies of the 29th Philippines-United States Balikatan Exercises at Camp Aquinaldo, Del Rosario said this year's Balikatan "comes at a crucial time for my country and my region,” noting “excessive and exaggerated maritime and territorial claims have not only created uncertainty, but have undermined the rule of law.”

“Regional peace and stability had been placed at serious risk," he said.

Del Rosario later told reporters he was referring specifically to China, which claims most of the South China Sea, including waters and tiny rock outcrops near the coasts of smaller neighbors such as the Philippines. Tensions have escalated in recent years as China has sought to stamp its authority over the region.

"For my country we need to secure our borders and protect our territorial integrity more vigorously than we have before. Balikatan with its complex and comprehensive set of exercises is an important contribution in not only preparing both our armed forces to work together, but also in building my country’s own capacity to defend itself," Del Rosario added.

This year's Balikatan exercises, considered as the biggest combined military exercises between the Philippine military and the US Pacific Command, will run until April 17.

"The Philippines is investing in its own defense at levels never before seen, but we understand clearly that we can increase the value of these investments through joint training and other agreed activities with our allies," Del Rosario said.

In December, President Benigno Aquino III signed the new Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, which will have an allocation of around P75 billion in its first five years.

The Aquino administration has spent more than P28 billion for the AFP modernization program, compared to around P33 billion spent for the same purpose 15 years before his term.

AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said Philippine-US relations and their "rich history of friendship" have helped their respective forces in addressing various threats.

"Today I must say that our partnership has helped in enabling both armed forces to become more responsive, agile, flexible, and capable to address emerging contingencies and threats," he said.

"This year’s (Balikatan) is a product of deliberate planning and preparation consistent with the imperative for capability development in the context of dynamic and evolving challenges in the region," Bautista continued.

Around 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are set to participate in this year's exercises, which will involve military training as well as training in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/302533/news/nation/dfa-chief-phl-investing-in-defense-at-levels-never-before-seen-amid-row-with-china