From The Star Online (Nov 30): Kidnapped tourist gets medication
KOTA KINABALU: Badly-needed medication for abducted Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei has reached her as ransom negotiations are continuing with the kidnappers.
The 58-year-old woman, who was snatched by a group of armed men from Pom Pom Island Resort in Semporna on Nov 15 after they killed her husband Li Min Hsu, remains weak at an undisclosed location in the Philippines’ Tawi Tawi chain of islands.
Taiwanese legislator Tsai Cheng Yuan said the kidnappers had allowed Chang to take her medication for various health problems, including diabetes.
“We know that she has received her medication and she is taking it. She is okay but she is weak,” he said in an e-mail interview.
Tsai, who has been helping to secure Chang’s release, said her family had made contact with the abductors but declined to comment further.
He, however, said the family was working through an intermediary but they were not sure if the person had the power to make final decisions to secure Chang’s release.
Tsai also declined to say if any ransom demand was made.
Chang’s brother Richard went to Manila a week ago to work out arrangements for his sister’s release and to find ways to send medicine to her.
The gunmen are believed to be holding Chang in a remote area on an island in Tawi Tawi before getting to Jolo Island where the notorious Abu Sayaff group will take over the hostage, according to Tawi Tawi sources.
However, bad weather conditions and a heavy Philippine military presence around Jolo were hampering their efforts to leave Tawi Tawi, where other armed groups might attempt to kidnap Chang for themselves.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/30/Kidnapped-tourist-gets-medication-Ransom-negotiations-continue-with-Philippine-gunmen.aspx
Friday, November 29, 2013
Army wants ceasefire ‘forever'
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 30): Army wants ceasefire ‘forever'
He wants a “forever” ceasefire, and not just a ceasefire to deceive the government.
This was the response of Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, to the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People's Army that had lambasted the government for its continued tactical offensives against the NPA, despite their suspension of military operations, to help the typhoon victims.
Aying said their actions against the CPP-NPA atrocities, deceit and lies, serve as the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the people. “We want to rescue the local people from the violence and sufferings experienced under the NPA rebels, regression and ceased to move in progress and rehabilitate their values, beliefs and capacity for self-reliance and sustainability”.
The CPP had earlier announced an extension of its ceasefire in typhoon-ravaged areas, including Negros island, to Dec. 24 this year, in view of what it claims to be the extent and gravity of the devastation from the super typhoon that it said has been made worse by the gross negligence and inutility of the ruling Aquino regime.
“This will allow all committees of the people's democratic government, respective commands of the NPA, and units of the people's militias in the devastated areas to continue with rehabilitation efforts,” it added
Aying, however, said the NPA violated its own ceasefire in Negros, when its Special Partisan Unit shot and killed SPO1 Agustin Hulleza on Nov. 16 in San Carlos City, two days after the declaration of their suspension of military operations.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/30/topstory7.htm
He wants a “forever” ceasefire, and not just a ceasefire to deceive the government.
This was the response of Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, to the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People's Army that had lambasted the government for its continued tactical offensives against the NPA, despite their suspension of military operations, to help the typhoon victims.
Aying said their actions against the CPP-NPA atrocities, deceit and lies, serve as the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the people. “We want to rescue the local people from the violence and sufferings experienced under the NPA rebels, regression and ceased to move in progress and rehabilitate their values, beliefs and capacity for self-reliance and sustainability”.
The CPP had earlier announced an extension of its ceasefire in typhoon-ravaged areas, including Negros island, to Dec. 24 this year, in view of what it claims to be the extent and gravity of the devastation from the super typhoon that it said has been made worse by the gross negligence and inutility of the ruling Aquino regime.
“This will allow all committees of the people's democratic government, respective commands of the NPA, and units of the people's militias in the devastated areas to continue with rehabilitation efforts,” it added
Aying, however, said the NPA violated its own ceasefire in Negros, when its Special Partisan Unit shot and killed SPO1 Agustin Hulleza on Nov. 16 in San Carlos City, two days after the declaration of their suspension of military operations.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/30/topstory7.htm
Defense chief worried China’s ADIZ may trigger conflict
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 30): Defense chief worried China’s ADIZ may trigger conflict
“What was done by China should have not been done because it’s becoming dangerous. It could trigger an unexpected incident,” he noted.
The US immediately sent B52 bombers to the area after China announced its imposition of ADIZ. South Korea and Japan also denounced Beijing’s move.
Gazmin expressed hopes that the “strong reactions” from the US, South Korea and Japan – all allies of the Philippines, should stop China from pushing through with its ADIZ.
“Common sense will tell you that you should not commit the same mistake, if they recognize that as a mistake. But we will have to wait and see but based on the reaction of several countries, the (Chinese)move is not welcome,” he said.
Gazmin, however, assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the country’s territory as a Chinese aircraft carrier is now deployed in the South China Sea.
“We have monitoring, we are closely monitoring and closely coordinating with our allies,” he said.
The Defense chief also maintained that the Philippine will not resort to military action in dealing with the South China Sea issue.
“It will be subjected to another process which is probably to file a protest,” replied Gazmin when asked what if the Chinese aircraft carrier crosses into Philippine waters.
He stressed the government will not resort to military action.
“We renounced that (use of military action),” Gazmin said.
Meanwhile, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera will visit the Philippines next week amid increased regional tensions with China’s air defense zone policy.
While Gazmin claimed that there’s no agenda yet on his scheduled meeting with Onodera, he raised the possibility that the revived tension between China and Japan may be discussed.
“Maybe. It depends. It’s a free-flowing discussion. There is no fixed agenda.’
Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed concern over the deployment of Liaoning, the Chinese aircraft carrier, to the West Philippine Sea.
The DFA said the deployment caused renewed tensions in the disputed area and could be violative of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
The Philippines and China are among the countries disputing the Kalayaan Islands Group or the Spratlys that lie in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.
Other claimant-countries are Brunei, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/defense-chief-worried-china-s-adiz-may-trigger-conflict
“What was done by China should have not been done because it’s becoming dangerous. It could trigger an unexpected incident,” he noted.
The US immediately sent B52 bombers to the area after China announced its imposition of ADIZ. South Korea and Japan also denounced Beijing’s move.
Gazmin expressed hopes that the “strong reactions” from the US, South Korea and Japan – all allies of the Philippines, should stop China from pushing through with its ADIZ.
“Common sense will tell you that you should not commit the same mistake, if they recognize that as a mistake. But we will have to wait and see but based on the reaction of several countries, the (Chinese)move is not welcome,” he said.
Gazmin, however, assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the country’s territory as a Chinese aircraft carrier is now deployed in the South China Sea.
“We have monitoring, we are closely monitoring and closely coordinating with our allies,” he said.
The Defense chief also maintained that the Philippine will not resort to military action in dealing with the South China Sea issue.
“It will be subjected to another process which is probably to file a protest,” replied Gazmin when asked what if the Chinese aircraft carrier crosses into Philippine waters.
He stressed the government will not resort to military action.
“We renounced that (use of military action),” Gazmin said.
Meanwhile, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera will visit the Philippines next week amid increased regional tensions with China’s air defense zone policy.
While Gazmin claimed that there’s no agenda yet on his scheduled meeting with Onodera, he raised the possibility that the revived tension between China and Japan may be discussed.
“Maybe. It depends. It’s a free-flowing discussion. There is no fixed agenda.’
Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed concern over the deployment of Liaoning, the Chinese aircraft carrier, to the West Philippine Sea.
The DFA said the deployment caused renewed tensions in the disputed area and could be violative of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
The Philippines and China are among the countries disputing the Kalayaan Islands Group or the Spratlys that lie in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.
Other claimant-countries are Brunei, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/defense-chief-worried-china-s-adiz-may-trigger-conflict
Air power important in disaster relief efforts
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30): Air power important in disaster relief efforts
As demonstrated by super typhoon "Yolanda", air power proved to be the deciding factor in the immediate provision of relief and aid to the survivors, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said Saturday.
This was demonstrated by the fact that the PAF through its three Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft and various helicopters succeeded in flying 1,124 sorties in support of the government's ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected provinces.
He added that speed is very important in such situations.
This equates to 1,338.3 flight hours.
He added that they also have transported 3,767,561 pounds of relief supplies and materials.
Aside from this, the PAF has also flown 789,852 pounds of various cargoes.
Okol added that their support for "Yolanda" relief efforts will continue until the situation further normalizes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=592352
As demonstrated by super typhoon "Yolanda", air power proved to be the deciding factor in the immediate provision of relief and aid to the survivors, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said Saturday.
This was demonstrated by the fact that the PAF through its three Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft and various helicopters succeeded in flying 1,124 sorties in support of the government's ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected provinces.
He added that speed is very important in such situations.
This equates to 1,338.3 flight hours.
He added that they also have transported 3,767,561 pounds of relief supplies and materials.
Aside from this, the PAF has also flown 789,852 pounds of various cargoes.
Okol added that their support for "Yolanda" relief efforts will continue until the situation further normalizes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=592352
Comelec: No Abang Lingkod proclamation
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 29): Comelec: No Abang Lingkod proclamation
“There will be no proclamation yet because the SC ruling is not final.”
That was the reaction yesterday of Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes to the Supreme Court order to the Comelec to proclaim Abang Lingkod a winning partylist group.
Abang Lingkod, a sectoral organization representing farmers and fisherfolk, obtained 260,215 votes during the May elections entitling it to a seat in the House of Representatives.
The Abang Lingkod first nominee is Stephen Paduano, alias Carapali Lualhati, former national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.
He said that, as first nominee, he expects to sit as Abang Lingkod’s representative in the House of Representatives, when the SC decision becomes final.
Brillantes said the Comelec will file a motion for reconsideration on the SC ruling that is “not yet final and executory”.
In its decision promulgated October 22, the SC reversed and set aside the resolution issued by the Comelec on May 10 cancelling Abang Lingkod’s registration, and disallowing its participation in the May 13 elections.
The Comelec gravely abused its discretion when it insisted on requiring Abang Lingkod to provide its track record even if that is no longer required pursuant to the SC pronouncement in Atong Paglaum, the High Court said.
Upholding the cancellation of Abang Lingkod’s registration, even if it was able to obtain sufficient number of votes for a legislative seat, would serve no purpose other than to subvert the will of the electorate who voted to give it the privilege to represent them in the House of Representatives, the SC also said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/29/topstory4.htm
“There will be no proclamation yet because the SC ruling is not final.”
That was the reaction yesterday of Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes to the Supreme Court order to the Comelec to proclaim Abang Lingkod a winning partylist group.
Abang Lingkod, a sectoral organization representing farmers and fisherfolk, obtained 260,215 votes during the May elections entitling it to a seat in the House of Representatives.
The Abang Lingkod first nominee is Stephen Paduano, alias Carapali Lualhati, former national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.
He said that, as first nominee, he expects to sit as Abang Lingkod’s representative in the House of Representatives, when the SC decision becomes final.
Brillantes said the Comelec will file a motion for reconsideration on the SC ruling that is “not yet final and executory”.
In its decision promulgated October 22, the SC reversed and set aside the resolution issued by the Comelec on May 10 cancelling Abang Lingkod’s registration, and disallowing its participation in the May 13 elections.
The Comelec gravely abused its discretion when it insisted on requiring Abang Lingkod to provide its track record even if that is no longer required pursuant to the SC pronouncement in Atong Paglaum, the High Court said.
Upholding the cancellation of Abang Lingkod’s registration, even if it was able to obtain sufficient number of votes for a legislative seat, would serve no purpose other than to subvert the will of the electorate who voted to give it the privilege to represent them in the House of Representatives, the SC also said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/29/topstory4.htm
Ambassador visits USS Germantown
From DVIDS (Nov 29): Ambassador visits USS Germantown
An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Aboard the Osprey was the U.S. ambassador to The Republic of the Philippines, Philip S. Goldberg. The Germantown and USS Ashland (LSD 48) along with embarked Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are in the Leyte Gulf in the Republic of the Philippines in support of Operation Damayan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony DeFilippo/Released)
USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea – Philip S. Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, visited sailors and Marines aboard the USS Germantown (LSD 42) Nov. 28 as the ship steamed through Leyte Gulf to thank them for their role in assisting the people of the Philippines during Operation Damayan.
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest ever recorded, made landfall in the Philippines on Nov. 7. In response to a request for assistance by the Government of the Philippines, the Germantown and USS Ashland (LSD 48) relieved the George Washington Strike Group of its relief mission Nov. 21.
Goldberg was joined by U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the commander of Joint Task Force 505 (JTF-505), Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, the commander of Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, and other distinguished guests.
JTF-505 is overseeing the U.S. militaries relief efforts during Operation Damayan in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other international militaries and non-governmental organizations.
During his visit, Goldberg was given a tour of the ship, met with Sailors and Marines and thanked the crew for their service.
“In my many years of service, I have been honored to work with Marines and sailors, and I’ve been impressed every time,” he said. “You all have done amazing work here, and I’m proud to share Thanksgiving with you.”
Lt. Gen. Wissler also addressed the Marines and Sailors about the impact they’ve had on the people of the Philippines.
“What the Navy and Marine Corps team has done here is help bring peace of mind with your presence in the area,” he said. “Our partnership with the Government of the Philippines shows we are here with them during a difficult time. I couldn’t be more proud of your ability to respond when called.”
The Germantown, along with the Ashland, embarked Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eleven (CPR11), Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is operating in support of Operation Damayan.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/117539/ambassador-visits-uss-germantown#.UpjurD-A2AI
An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Aboard the Osprey was the U.S. ambassador to The Republic of the Philippines, Philip S. Goldberg. The Germantown and USS Ashland (LSD 48) along with embarked Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are in the Leyte Gulf in the Republic of the Philippines in support of Operation Damayan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony DeFilippo/Released)
USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea – Philip S. Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, visited sailors and Marines aboard the USS Germantown (LSD 42) Nov. 28 as the ship steamed through Leyte Gulf to thank them for their role in assisting the people of the Philippines during Operation Damayan.
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest ever recorded, made landfall in the Philippines on Nov. 7. In response to a request for assistance by the Government of the Philippines, the Germantown and USS Ashland (LSD 48) relieved the George Washington Strike Group of its relief mission Nov. 21.
Goldberg was joined by U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the commander of Joint Task Force 505 (JTF-505), Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, the commander of Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, and other distinguished guests.
JTF-505 is overseeing the U.S. militaries relief efforts during Operation Damayan in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other international militaries and non-governmental organizations.
During his visit, Goldberg was given a tour of the ship, met with Sailors and Marines and thanked the crew for their service.
“In my many years of service, I have been honored to work with Marines and sailors, and I’ve been impressed every time,” he said. “You all have done amazing work here, and I’m proud to share Thanksgiving with you.”
Lt. Gen. Wissler also addressed the Marines and Sailors about the impact they’ve had on the people of the Philippines.
“What the Navy and Marine Corps team has done here is help bring peace of mind with your presence in the area,” he said. “Our partnership with the Government of the Philippines shows we are here with them during a difficult time. I couldn’t be more proud of your ability to respond when called.”
The Germantown, along with the Ashland, embarked Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eleven (CPR11), Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is operating in support of Operation Damayan.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/117539/ambassador-visits-uss-germantown#.UpjurD-A2AI
China scrambles jets after US, Japan enter air zone—Xinhua
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 30): China scrambles jets after US, Japan enter air zone—Xinhua
Map showing Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZs) over the East China Sea region.
China on Friday scrambled fighter jets to monitor a dozen US and Japanese military aircraft that entered its new air defense zone, state media said.
Beijing’s announcement last weekend of the air defense identification zone, which covers islands at the center of a dispute between China and Japan, has raised tensions in the region.
The report indicated that Japan and the US are continuing to disregard Beijing’s demands that aircraft submit flight plans when traversing the zone in the East China Sea or face unspecified “defensive emergency measures.”
“Several combat aircraft were scrambled to verify the identities” of US and Japanese aircraft entering the air defense zone, the official Xinhua news agency said, quoting air force spokesman Shen Jinke.
The Chinese aircraft, which included at least two fighter jets, identified two US surveillance aircraft and 10 Japanese aircraft including an F-15 warplane, Shen said.
The Pentagon said Friday that American forces would continue normal operations, despite China’s latest move.
“We’ll continue to partner with our allies in the region and operate as normal,” Lieutenant-Colonel Erik Brine, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP without elaborating.
The US, South Korea, Japan and other countries have accused Beijing of increasing regional tensions with its new air defense zone.
Shen said the air force had a mission to monitor foreign aircraft inside the zone “throughout the entire process, with timely identification.”
Japan and South Korea both said Thursday they had disregarded the ADIZ, showing a united front after US B-52 bombers also entered the area.
Chinese media call for ‘timely countermeasures’
But Beijing is facing considerable internal pressure to assert itself. China’s state media called Friday for “timely countermeasures without hesitation” if Japan violates the zone.
Washington has security alliances with both Tokyo and Seoul, and analysts say that neither China nor Japan—the world’s second- and third-biggest economies, and major trading partners of each other—want to engage in armed conflict.
The Global Times newspaper, which generally takes a more nationalistic tone than China’s government, said in an editorial Friday: “We should carry out timely countermeasures without hesitation against Japan when it challenges China’s newly declared ADIZ.
“If Tokyo flies its aircraft over the zone, we will be bound to send our plane to its ADIZ.”
The paper, which is close to the ruling Communist party, said: “We are willing to engage in a protracted confrontation with Japan.”
But it shied away from threatening Washington, which sent giant Stratofortress bombers inside the zone, issuing an unmistakable message.
“If the US does not go too far, we will not target it in safeguarding our air defense zone,” the paper said.
The Communist Party seeks to bolster its public support by tapping into deep-seated resentment of Japan for its brutal invasion of the country in the 1930s.
Such passions are easily ignited, and posters on Chinese social media networks have urged Beijing to act, with one saying Friday: “Japan, US and South Korea jointly ran the red light on purpose, the Chinese government should take decisive measures to deal with them as a war of words won’t solve any problems.”
The media rhetoric came after Chinese planes conducted air patrols on Thursday, Xinhua said, after it first sent fighters, scouts and early warning aircraft into the zone on Saturday.
China’s rules covering the zone require aircraft to provide their flight plan, declare their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication—or face unspecified “defensive emergency measures.”
Both Japan and Washington have ADIZs of their own, and China accuses them of double standards, though China’s zone includes a rock which is disputed between Beijing and Seoul, as well as islands controlled by Japan and claimed by China.
Japan denies that there is a dispute over the islands, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined Friday to be drawn on reports that a Chinese envoy had suggested setting up a mechanism to prevent mid-air incidents.
“Our country’s principle is that we will assert our position firmly in a stern but calm manner,” Suga said. “And we keep the window of dialogue open.”
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the US and Japan planned to enhance military cooperation in the area, with Tokyo permanently stationing E-2C early-warning planes in Okinawa, and US Global Hawk unmanned drones expected to be operated from Japan soon.
The European Union added its voice to the criticism of the zone on Friday, with its top foreign affairs official Catherine Ashton saying it “contributes to raising tensions in the region.”
At a regular briefing Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang dismissed her remarks, saying: “Ms. Ashton knows that within the EU, some countries have ADIZs, so I don’t know if that means the situation in Europe is getting more tense.”
US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting the region next week, and administration officials said that while in Beijing he will raise Washington’s concerns about the ADIZ, and China’s assertiveness toward its neighbors.
The Philippines has voiced concern that China may extend control of air space over disputed areas of the South China Sea, where the two nations have a separate territorial dispute. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/92775/china-scrambles-jets-after-us-japan-enter-air-zone-xinhua
Map showing Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZs) over the East China Sea region.
China on Friday scrambled fighter jets to monitor a dozen US and Japanese military aircraft that entered its new air defense zone, state media said.
Beijing’s announcement last weekend of the air defense identification zone, which covers islands at the center of a dispute between China and Japan, has raised tensions in the region.
The report indicated that Japan and the US are continuing to disregard Beijing’s demands that aircraft submit flight plans when traversing the zone in the East China Sea or face unspecified “defensive emergency measures.”
“Several combat aircraft were scrambled to verify the identities” of US and Japanese aircraft entering the air defense zone, the official Xinhua news agency said, quoting air force spokesman Shen Jinke.
The Chinese aircraft, which included at least two fighter jets, identified two US surveillance aircraft and 10 Japanese aircraft including an F-15 warplane, Shen said.
The Pentagon said Friday that American forces would continue normal operations, despite China’s latest move.
“We’ll continue to partner with our allies in the region and operate as normal,” Lieutenant-Colonel Erik Brine, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP without elaborating.
The US, South Korea, Japan and other countries have accused Beijing of increasing regional tensions with its new air defense zone.
Shen said the air force had a mission to monitor foreign aircraft inside the zone “throughout the entire process, with timely identification.”
Japan and South Korea both said Thursday they had disregarded the ADIZ, showing a united front after US B-52 bombers also entered the area.
Chinese media call for ‘timely countermeasures’
But Beijing is facing considerable internal pressure to assert itself. China’s state media called Friday for “timely countermeasures without hesitation” if Japan violates the zone.
Washington has security alliances with both Tokyo and Seoul, and analysts say that neither China nor Japan—the world’s second- and third-biggest economies, and major trading partners of each other—want to engage in armed conflict.
The Global Times newspaper, which generally takes a more nationalistic tone than China’s government, said in an editorial Friday: “We should carry out timely countermeasures without hesitation against Japan when it challenges China’s newly declared ADIZ.
“If Tokyo flies its aircraft over the zone, we will be bound to send our plane to its ADIZ.”
The paper, which is close to the ruling Communist party, said: “We are willing to engage in a protracted confrontation with Japan.”
But it shied away from threatening Washington, which sent giant Stratofortress bombers inside the zone, issuing an unmistakable message.
“If the US does not go too far, we will not target it in safeguarding our air defense zone,” the paper said.
The Communist Party seeks to bolster its public support by tapping into deep-seated resentment of Japan for its brutal invasion of the country in the 1930s.
Such passions are easily ignited, and posters on Chinese social media networks have urged Beijing to act, with one saying Friday: “Japan, US and South Korea jointly ran the red light on purpose, the Chinese government should take decisive measures to deal with them as a war of words won’t solve any problems.”
The media rhetoric came after Chinese planes conducted air patrols on Thursday, Xinhua said, after it first sent fighters, scouts and early warning aircraft into the zone on Saturday.
China’s rules covering the zone require aircraft to provide their flight plan, declare their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication—or face unspecified “defensive emergency measures.”
Both Japan and Washington have ADIZs of their own, and China accuses them of double standards, though China’s zone includes a rock which is disputed between Beijing and Seoul, as well as islands controlled by Japan and claimed by China.
Japan denies that there is a dispute over the islands, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined Friday to be drawn on reports that a Chinese envoy had suggested setting up a mechanism to prevent mid-air incidents.
“Our country’s principle is that we will assert our position firmly in a stern but calm manner,” Suga said. “And we keep the window of dialogue open.”
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the US and Japan planned to enhance military cooperation in the area, with Tokyo permanently stationing E-2C early-warning planes in Okinawa, and US Global Hawk unmanned drones expected to be operated from Japan soon.
The European Union added its voice to the criticism of the zone on Friday, with its top foreign affairs official Catherine Ashton saying it “contributes to raising tensions in the region.”
At a regular briefing Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang dismissed her remarks, saying: “Ms. Ashton knows that within the EU, some countries have ADIZs, so I don’t know if that means the situation in Europe is getting more tense.”
US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting the region next week, and administration officials said that while in Beijing he will raise Washington’s concerns about the ADIZ, and China’s assertiveness toward its neighbors.
The Philippines has voiced concern that China may extend control of air space over disputed areas of the South China Sea, where the two nations have a separate territorial dispute. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/92775/china-scrambles-jets-after-us-japan-enter-air-zone-xinhua
AFPRescom vows to return to help 'Yolanda' victims in Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): AFPRescom vows to return to help 'Yolanda' victims in Samar
Like World War II hero Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command (AFPRescom) vowed to return to Eastern Samar to help local residents affected badly by super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.
This was disclosed by Lt. Col. Abraham Bayan, AFPRescom 1st Technical Services Administration Battalion commander, during a chance interview in Quinapondan town Thursday afternoon.
He said that he and his men would try to come back to the province to give aid and medical care to the displaced residents.
Earlier, Bayan and eight of his men, who are mostly medical professionals, distributed two truckloads of relief goods consisting of clothing, blankets and medicines to residents of Quinapondan town.
He said that these items were sourced from the AFPRescom, television network GMA-7 and a Japanese relief agency. He added that the relief items were transported toEastern Samar via a Royal
Australian Air Force C-130.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=591968
Like World War II hero Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command (AFPRescom) vowed to return to Eastern Samar to help local residents affected badly by super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.
This was disclosed by Lt. Col. Abraham Bayan, AFPRescom 1st Technical Services Administration Battalion commander, during a chance interview in Quinapondan town Thursday afternoon.
He said that he and his men would try to come back to the province to give aid and medical care to the displaced residents.
Earlier, Bayan and eight of his men, who are mostly medical professionals, distributed two truckloads of relief goods consisting of clothing, blankets and medicines to residents of Quinapondan town.
He said that these items were sourced from the AFPRescom, television network GMA-7 and a Japanese relief agency. He added that the relief items were transported to
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=591968
PAF sorties for 'Yolanda' relief efforts hit 1,124 mark
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): PAF sorties for 'Yolanda' relief efforts hit 1,124 mark
Since the onslaught of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas Region last Nov. 8, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has conducted 1,124 sorties in support of the government's ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected provinces.
Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, PAF spokesperson, said Friday that this equates to 1,338.3 flight hours.
He added that they also have transported 3,767,561 pounds of relief supplies and materials.
Aside from this, the PAF has also flown 789,852 pounds of various cargoes.
The PAF earlier announced that all three of its Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft are all conducting relief missions for "Yolanda" victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=592057
Since the onslaught of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas Region last Nov. 8, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has conducted 1,124 sorties in support of the government's ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the affected provinces.
Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, PAF spokesperson, said Friday that this equates to 1,338.3 flight hours.
He added that they also have transported 3,767,561 pounds of relief supplies and materials.
Aside from this, the PAF has also flown 789,852 pounds of various cargoes.
The PAF earlier announced that all three of its Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft are all conducting relief missions for "Yolanda" victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=592057
PN reserve units transport 240 'Yolanda' displaced residents
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): PN reserve units transport 240 'Yolanda' displaced residents
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that two of its affiliate reserve units have transported 240Tacloban
City
These ships are the F/B Wood Rose and F/B Brilliant Star.
Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, PN spokesman, said the F/B Wood Rose arrived at the Navotas City Pier Friday carrying 178 "Yolanda" displaced residents from Tacloban.
It left the area late Thursday.
While the F/B Brilliant Star, who earlier carried 80 tons of relief supplies for Tacloban City, departed for the Navotas City Pier Friday and is expected to arrive here 11 a.m. Saturday.
Meanwhile, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) is currently anchored in the vicinity of Guiuan,Eastern Samar .
It is serving as a platform for command and control of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations thereat.
Fabic said the vessel continuously monitors the activities/intention of all naval floating assets and foreign naval ships at the vicinity ofTacloban City
While the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) is also anchored near the above-mentioned position and is now unloading her cargo of assorted relief goods which amounted to around 124 tons.
"Unloading/transfer of assorted relief goods through ship to shore movement with the help of BRP Manobo (AT-297) is currently in progress. Continue unloading cargo to AT-297 and AT-291 through ship to shore movement," Fabic concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=592151
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that two of its affiliate reserve units have transported 240
These ships are the F/B Wood Rose and F/B Brilliant Star.
Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, PN spokesman, said the F/B Wood Rose arrived at the Navotas City Pier Friday carrying 178 "Yolanda" displaced residents from Tacloban.
It left the area late Thursday.
While the F/B Brilliant Star, who earlier carried 80 tons of relief supplies for Tacloban City, departed for the Navotas City Pier Friday and is expected to arrive here 11 a.m. Saturday.
Meanwhile, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) is currently anchored in the vicinity of Guiuan,
It is serving as a platform for command and control of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations thereat.
Fabic said the vessel continuously monitors the activities/intention of all naval floating assets and foreign naval ships at the vicinity of
While the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) is also anchored near the above-mentioned position and is now unloading her cargo of assorted relief goods which amounted to around 124 tons.
"Unloading/transfer of assorted relief goods through ship to shore movement with the help of BRP Manobo (AT-297) is currently in progress. Continue unloading cargo to AT-297 and AT-291 through ship to shore movement," Fabic concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=592151
UK aircraft carrier brings relief aid to typhoon victims in Palawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): UK aircraft carrier brings relief aid to typhoon victims in Palawan
The Royal Navy’s second Invincible-class light aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious is set to dock on the shores on Palawan to bring much-needed relief aid to survivors of super typhoon Yolanda under the Western Command’ (Wescom) Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Efforts.
Expected to arrive late Friday from a relief mission in the Visayas, the HMS Illustrious, said WESCOM spokesperson Lt. Cherryl Tindog to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), will bring relief aid to the survivors of Yolanda in badly hit Coron and nearby island towns.
Initially, it will bring aid to the residents of barangaysConcepcion ,
Alceciras and Maguin
Island
The HMS Illustrious, she disclosed, is also expected to donate a generator set to the Coron District Hospital (CDH) to fully serve the residents, particularly those who survived the onslaught of the monster typhoon.
In related news, the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Southern Tagalog Region has issued a travel advisory informing that travels to the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions, including Coron inPalawan ,
“are safe and secure for any tourist-related activity after Yolanda.
Regional director Rebecca Labit issued the travel advisory Tuesday, even highlighting themunicipality
of Coron
“Air, sea, and land transports to CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions from all points are safe and normal,” she said in a bid to encourage domestic and foreign tourists not to stop going to Coron.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592043
The Royal Navy’s second Invincible-class light aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious is set to dock on the shores on Palawan to bring much-needed relief aid to survivors of super typhoon Yolanda under the Western Command’ (Wescom) Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Efforts.
Expected to arrive late Friday from a relief mission in the Visayas, the HMS Illustrious, said WESCOM spokesperson Lt. Cherryl Tindog to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), will bring relief aid to the survivors of Yolanda in badly hit Coron and nearby island towns.
Initially, it will bring aid to the residents of barangays
The HMS Illustrious, she disclosed, is also expected to donate a generator set to the Coron District Hospital (CDH) to fully serve the residents, particularly those who survived the onslaught of the monster typhoon.
In related news, the Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Southern Tagalog Region has issued a travel advisory informing that travels to the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions, including Coron in
Regional director Rebecca Labit issued the travel advisory Tuesday, even highlighting the
“Air, sea, and land transports to CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions from all points are safe and normal,” she said in a bid to encourage domestic and foreign tourists not to stop going to Coron.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592043
Army seeks CAFGU deployment in 2 Nueva Vizcaya towns
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): Army seeks CAFGU deployment in 2 Nueva Vizcaya towns
The Philippine Army (PA) here has asked the deployment of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in two towns here to thwart any attempt of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to enter upland villages.
Lt. Colonel Eugene Mata, commanding officer of the army’s 31st Battalion, 7th Infantry Division based inSan
Jose City
The deployment of CAFGU forces in the areas, he said will serve as a deterrent factor in driving away remnants of NPA rebels who are in the process of recruitment in the upland villages near the Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya boundary.
“With the presence of our auxiliary forces there, we can prevent the frequent visits of the communist remnants who are trying to seek community support and recruitment,” Mata said during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting.
A report made by the army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that there were four sightings and movements of NPA remnants in the towns of Ambaguio, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu and Villaverde towns .
He said two of these sightings resulted to a kidnapping incident of a villager and a recruitment activity.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592052
The Philippine Army (PA) here has asked the deployment of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in two towns here to thwart any attempt of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to enter upland villages.
Lt. Colonel Eugene Mata, commanding officer of the army’s 31st Battalion, 7th Infantry Division based in
The deployment of CAFGU forces in the areas, he said will serve as a deterrent factor in driving away remnants of NPA rebels who are in the process of recruitment in the upland villages near the Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya boundary.
“With the presence of our auxiliary forces there, we can prevent the frequent visits of the communist remnants who are trying to seek community support and recruitment,” Mata said during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting.
A report made by the army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that there were four sightings and movements of NPA remnants in the towns of Ambaguio, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu and Villaverde towns .
He said two of these sightings resulted to a kidnapping incident of a villager and a recruitment activity.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592052
IED found in Puerto Princesa City
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): IED found in Puerto Princesa City
Government forces in this city retrieved Wednesday an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to be part of the September 18 road ambush of a convoy of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT4) at Sitio Tarabanan, Barangay Binduyan.
Western Command (Wescom) spokesperson Lt. Cherryl Tindog said the IED was discovered by residents of the barangay, who immediately reported to military authorities.
The IED, she disclosed, was made from high explosives. It was found in the site where suspected armed rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) staged the September 18 ambush of the MBLT 4 convoy that came from a routine log run in northernPalawan .
“The angle we’re looking at here is that it was part of the entire plan to ambush the MBLT4 convoy, or it could be part of a new ambush plan,” she said.
Tindog said IED was managed out of the place by the Quick Reaction Forces-Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team (QRF-EODT).
Currently, a clearing operation is being conducted at the sitio to ensure that no more IED is left in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592042
Government forces in this city retrieved Wednesday an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to be part of the September 18 road ambush of a convoy of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT4) at Sitio Tarabanan, Barangay Binduyan.
Western Command (Wescom) spokesperson Lt. Cherryl Tindog said the IED was discovered by residents of the barangay, who immediately reported to military authorities.
The IED, she disclosed, was made from high explosives. It was found in the site where suspected armed rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) staged the September 18 ambush of the MBLT 4 convoy that came from a routine log run in northern
“The angle we’re looking at here is that it was part of the entire plan to ambush the MBLT4 convoy, or it could be part of a new ambush plan,” she said.
Tindog said IED was managed out of the place by the Quick Reaction Forces-Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team (QRF-EODT).
Currently, a clearing operation is being conducted at the sitio to ensure that no more IED is left in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592042
Two North Cotabato villages get P5.3-million Pamana projects
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): Two North Cotabato villages get P5.3-million Pamana projects
About P5.3 million worth of projects were turned over by the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) Program or Pamana of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to two villages of Kabacan,North Cotabato , officials
said.
These include rice mill building (P2.250 million), warehouse (P1.9 million), solar dryer (P688,750) or a total of P4,838,750 in Barangay Pedtad, and another set consisting of a Peace Center (P4.490M), solar dryer (P688,750) and water system rehabilitation (P71,250) in Barangay Nangaan, both in Kabacan municipality.
The project turnover in Pedtad village was witnessed by Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza, Cotabato 3rd District Representative Jose “Ping” Tejada and Kabacan Municipal Mayor Herlo Guzman.
Barangay Pedtad chairperson Romeo Mantawal, barangay council officers and residents received projects which will be benefited by the constituents in terms of livelihood.
Barangay Pedtad, once a conflict-stricken area in Kabacan became the latest recipient of Pamana program along with other conflict affected villages in theprovince of North Cotabato
and other parts of Mindanao .
Mantawal said was exceptionally happy to receive the projects saying that Pamana already put two projects in the village. These were the fishpond for the village’s fisher folks and rubber dispersal program for qualified farmers.
“We are indeed very fortunate to become again a recipient of these projects from Pamana. We would like to thank Governor Taliño-Mendoza for her efforts in identifying our village as recipient," Mantawal said.
"It is an exceptional thing that within her first term she was able to make those projects possible,” Mantawal added.
The warehouse, after the turnover, was immediately ready for use as well as the solar dryer and the farm equipment.
On the other hand, Barangay Nangaan chairman Matog Lumambas, through Mayor Guzman has expressed his gratitude for the projects received by his village.
ThePeace Center
“This structure would somehow uphold the present peaceful situation here in thevillage of Nangaan
He lauded Gov. Mendoza for actively implementing livelihood projects not only in his place but also in other villages in Kabacan.
Many residents of Nangaan village rely mainly on agriculture for work and livelihood, thus their need for a solar dryer.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592232
About P5.3 million worth of projects were turned over by the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) Program or Pamana of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to two villages of Kabacan,
These include rice mill building (P2.250 million), warehouse (P1.9 million), solar dryer (P688,750) or a total of P4,838,750 in Barangay Pedtad, and another set consisting of a Peace Center (P4.490M), solar dryer (P688,750) and water system rehabilitation (P71,250) in Barangay Nangaan, both in Kabacan municipality.
The project turnover in Pedtad village was witnessed by Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza, Cotabato 3rd District Representative Jose “Ping” Tejada and Kabacan Municipal Mayor Herlo Guzman.
Barangay Pedtad chairperson Romeo Mantawal, barangay council officers and residents received projects which will be benefited by the constituents in terms of livelihood.
Barangay Pedtad, once a conflict-stricken area in Kabacan became the latest recipient of Pamana program along with other conflict affected villages in the
Mantawal said was exceptionally happy to receive the projects saying that Pamana already put two projects in the village. These were the fishpond for the village’s fisher folks and rubber dispersal program for qualified farmers.
“We are indeed very fortunate to become again a recipient of these projects from Pamana. We would like to thank Governor Taliño-Mendoza for her efforts in identifying our village as recipient," Mantawal said.
"It is an exceptional thing that within her first term she was able to make those projects possible,” Mantawal added.
The warehouse, after the turnover, was immediately ready for use as well as the solar dryer and the farm equipment.
On the other hand, Barangay Nangaan chairman Matog Lumambas, through Mayor Guzman has expressed his gratitude for the projects received by his village.
The
“This structure would somehow uphold the present peaceful situation here in the
He lauded Gov. Mendoza for actively implementing livelihood projects not only in his place but also in other villages in Kabacan.
Many residents of Nangaan village rely mainly on agriculture for work and livelihood, thus their need for a solar dryer.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=592232
PA fetes Gat Andres Bonifacio on his 150th birth anniversary Saturday
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): PA fetes Gat Andres Bonifacio on his 150th birth anniversary Saturday
The Philippine Army (PA) said on Friday that its officers and men will pay tribute to the greatness of revolutionary leader Gat Andres Bonifacio as the nation commemorates the patriot's sesquicentennial birth anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 30.
President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to lead the commemoration of Bonifacio’s heroic contribution to the Philippine campaign for independence as the "Great Plebeian" through a wreath-laying ceremony at theBonifacio National Monument
in Grace Park, Caloocan
City
The President will be joined by Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Army personnel are to be led by PA chief-of-staff, Brig. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.
They will also offer a wreath at themonument
of Andres Bonifacio at the PA
Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio , Taguig
City
More than the wreaths offered at Bonifacio’s monument, the PA believes that another great way of paying tribute to the founder and supremo of the Katipunan is by remembering his courage and heroism and emulating this as the soldiers carry out their mandate of preserving the country’s freedom and democracy.
The PA also draws inspiration from the sacrifices of Bonifacio and the Katipuneros who played a crucial role in liberating the country and the people from foreign colonization.
As Filipinos celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, the PA also encourages its personnel to serve with commitment and courage, just like what the hero did.
Meanwhile, a befitting tribute accorded to Bonifacio was the naming of the Army’s headquarters after him. From Fort William Mckinley, which used to be the headquarters of the Philippine Division during the American colonial period, it was renamed Fort Andres Bonifacio.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=592047
The Philippine Army (PA) said on Friday that its officers and men will pay tribute to the greatness of revolutionary leader Gat Andres Bonifacio as the nation commemorates the patriot's sesquicentennial birth anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 30.
President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to lead the commemoration of Bonifacio’s heroic contribution to the Philippine campaign for independence as the "Great Plebeian" through a wreath-laying ceremony at the
The President will be joined by Armed Forces of the
Army personnel are to be led by PA chief-of-staff, Brig. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.
They will also offer a wreath at the
More than the wreaths offered at Bonifacio’s monument, the PA believes that another great way of paying tribute to the founder and supremo of the Katipunan is by remembering his courage and heroism and emulating this as the soldiers carry out their mandate of preserving the country’s freedom and democracy.
The PA also draws inspiration from the sacrifices of Bonifacio and the Katipuneros who played a crucial role in liberating the country and the people from foreign colonization.
As Filipinos celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Bonifacio, the PA also encourages its personnel to serve with commitment and courage, just like what the hero did.
Meanwhile, a befitting tribute accorded to Bonifacio was the naming of the Army’s headquarters after him. From Fort William Mckinley, which used to be the headquarters of the Philippine Division during the American colonial period, it was renamed Fort Andres Bonifacio.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=592047
Japan defense minister to visit Philippines next month
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): Japan defense minister to visit Philippines next month
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera will visit thePhilippines
Japanese Embassy officials inManila
He will meet with Philippine government officials before visiting with the SDF personnel working on Leyte Island, which was among the areas worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan that ravaged the central Philippines on Nov. 8.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=592247
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera will visit the
Japanese Embassy officials in
He will meet with Philippine government officials before visiting with the SDF personnel working on Leyte Island, which was among the areas worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan that ravaged the central Philippines on Nov. 8.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=592247
ANALYSIS | With new air zone, China tests US dominance in East Asia
From InterAksyon (Nov 29): ANALYSIS | With new air zone, China tests US dominance in East Asia
China's new air defense zone, stretching far into East Asia's international skies, is an historic challenge to the United States, which has dominated the region for decades.
For years, Chinese naval officers have told their US counterparts they are uncomfortable with America's presence in the western Pacific - and Beijing is now confronting strategic assumptions that have governed the region since World War Two.
China's recent maritime muscle-flexing in disputes over the Paracel islands and Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea and over Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea has stirred concern and extensive backroom diplomacy in Washington.
But it took the events of the last week to spark an immediate and symbolic response from the United States - the unannounced appearance in the zone of two unarmed B-52 bombers from the fortified island of Guam, the closest US territory to the Chinese coast.
China's unilateral creation of the zone - accompanied by warnings that it would take "defensive emergency measures" against aircraft that didn't identify themselves - has raised the stakes in a territorial dispute with Japan over tiny, uninhabited islands in the area.
Even as some suggest Beijing's move is already backfiring, experts in China say it is a part of a long-term effort, carrying broader historic significance for the United States as the traditional provider of Japanese security.
The regional tensions will loom large when US Vice President Joe Biden travels to Japan, China and South Korea early next week.
Strategic space
Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University who advises Beijing's State Council, said Washington had recognized China as a great trade and diplomatic power, and should now acknowledge China needs its own "strategic space".
"How the US and its allies recognize that will be vital to the future of the region," he said. "This (zone) could cause the US to have more profound strategic thinking about China's rise."
A Chinese analyst with ties to the military warned Tokyo and Washington against mistaking Beijing as a "paper tiger", adding that US surveillance flights near China's coast - such as one that sparked a fatal collision over Hainan Island in 2001 - "will never be allowed to happen again."
Japan and South Korea, another treaty ally of the US, also sent military aircraft through the zone this week without informing China, lending muscle to earlier diplomatic protests.
For all the apparent boldness of China's move, some regional analysts believe Beijing has over-reached, in comparison to earlier campaigns of assertion.
For example, China's rotating presence of ships in seas around Japan's Senkaku islands, which China claims and calls the Diaoyu, have continued without sparking a direct military response from Washington.
Some suggest the fact that Chinese planes have yet to attempt an interception in the air this week, despite the swift flouting of its demands, shows that Beijing's bluff has been called. They are also puzzled how the move fits with Beijing's vaunted "soft power" diplomacy - on display recently as China's leaders toured South East Asia after US President Barack Obama pulled out of a long-planned trip.
"What (President) Xi Jinping is trying to do is create a balance between soft and hard, conservatives and liberals. This is part of their trial and error process to get the right balance," said former senior Japanese diplomat Hitoshi Tanaka.
The fact China's zone overlaps Japan's - including contested islands that the US is obliged to defend under its treaty with Japan - represents a dangerous strategic shift, US officials say. And China's declaration it could take action against unidentified aircraft that ignored its warnings has sparked fears of an increased risk of accidents and miscalculations.
"It causes friction and uncertainty, it constitutes a unilateral challenge to the status quo in ... a region that is already fraught," one US administration official said.
A long game?
In Tokyo, too, there is a sense that China is playing a long-term game - even if Beijing struggles to enforce a move some analysts described as poorly thought out.
Speaking privately, one government source said that while it could damage Japan's "effective control" of disputed islands in the short-term, in the longer term it represented a push by Beijing to create a broad defensive zone across the East and South China Seas. "They don't feel safe without vast space between themselves and their enemies," the person said.
Narushige Michishita, a security expert at Tokyo's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, described the zone as a "bad step" for both Japan and China. "So far, China's move has backfired on it, but it might have longer term ... or internal political objectives," he said. "We should be cautious."
In China, there is a palpable sense of historic mission.
"China's actions are a way of facing up to the US escalation of military power in the region," said Ni Lexiong, a defense analyst at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. "This is an issue of face and respect."
"It's also about national interests. You have to look in the context of history - there have been many agrarian countries that have developed their economies and then transformed into naval powers. It's a consequence of a country doing business globally. It's normal," he noted.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75905/analysis--with-new-air-zone-china-tests-us-dominance-in-east-asia
China's new air defense zone, stretching far into East Asia's international skies, is an historic challenge to the United States, which has dominated the region for decades.
For years, Chinese naval officers have told their US counterparts they are uncomfortable with America's presence in the western Pacific - and Beijing is now confronting strategic assumptions that have governed the region since World War Two.
China's recent maritime muscle-flexing in disputes over the Paracel islands and Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea and over Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea has stirred concern and extensive backroom diplomacy in Washington.
But it took the events of the last week to spark an immediate and symbolic response from the United States - the unannounced appearance in the zone of two unarmed B-52 bombers from the fortified island of Guam, the closest US territory to the Chinese coast.
China's unilateral creation of the zone - accompanied by warnings that it would take "defensive emergency measures" against aircraft that didn't identify themselves - has raised the stakes in a territorial dispute with Japan over tiny, uninhabited islands in the area.
Even as some suggest Beijing's move is already backfiring, experts in China say it is a part of a long-term effort, carrying broader historic significance for the United States as the traditional provider of Japanese security.
The regional tensions will loom large when US Vice President Joe Biden travels to Japan, China and South Korea early next week.
Strategic space
Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University who advises Beijing's State Council, said Washington had recognized China as a great trade and diplomatic power, and should now acknowledge China needs its own "strategic space".
"How the US and its allies recognize that will be vital to the future of the region," he said. "This (zone) could cause the US to have more profound strategic thinking about China's rise."
A Chinese analyst with ties to the military warned Tokyo and Washington against mistaking Beijing as a "paper tiger", adding that US surveillance flights near China's coast - such as one that sparked a fatal collision over Hainan Island in 2001 - "will never be allowed to happen again."
Japan and South Korea, another treaty ally of the US, also sent military aircraft through the zone this week without informing China, lending muscle to earlier diplomatic protests.
For all the apparent boldness of China's move, some regional analysts believe Beijing has over-reached, in comparison to earlier campaigns of assertion.
For example, China's rotating presence of ships in seas around Japan's Senkaku islands, which China claims and calls the Diaoyu, have continued without sparking a direct military response from Washington.
Some suggest the fact that Chinese planes have yet to attempt an interception in the air this week, despite the swift flouting of its demands, shows that Beijing's bluff has been called. They are also puzzled how the move fits with Beijing's vaunted "soft power" diplomacy - on display recently as China's leaders toured South East Asia after US President Barack Obama pulled out of a long-planned trip.
"What (President) Xi Jinping is trying to do is create a balance between soft and hard, conservatives and liberals. This is part of their trial and error process to get the right balance," said former senior Japanese diplomat Hitoshi Tanaka.
The fact China's zone overlaps Japan's - including contested islands that the US is obliged to defend under its treaty with Japan - represents a dangerous strategic shift, US officials say. And China's declaration it could take action against unidentified aircraft that ignored its warnings has sparked fears of an increased risk of accidents and miscalculations.
"It causes friction and uncertainty, it constitutes a unilateral challenge to the status quo in ... a region that is already fraught," one US administration official said.
A long game?
In Tokyo, too, there is a sense that China is playing a long-term game - even if Beijing struggles to enforce a move some analysts described as poorly thought out.
Speaking privately, one government source said that while it could damage Japan's "effective control" of disputed islands in the short-term, in the longer term it represented a push by Beijing to create a broad defensive zone across the East and South China Seas. "They don't feel safe without vast space between themselves and their enemies," the person said.
Narushige Michishita, a security expert at Tokyo's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, described the zone as a "bad step" for both Japan and China. "So far, China's move has backfired on it, but it might have longer term ... or internal political objectives," he said. "We should be cautious."
In China, there is a palpable sense of historic mission.
"China's actions are a way of facing up to the US escalation of military power in the region," said Ni Lexiong, a defense analyst at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. "This is an issue of face and respect."
"It's also about national interests. You have to look in the context of history - there have been many agrarian countries that have developed their economies and then transformed into naval powers. It's a consequence of a country doing business globally. It's normal," he noted.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75905/analysis--with-new-air-zone-china-tests-us-dominance-in-east-asia
China could extend 'air defense zone' over West Philippine Sea, DFA fears
From InterAksyon (Nov 29): China could extend 'air defense zone' over West Philippine Sea, DFA fears
The Philippines has voiced concern that China may extend its controversial "air defense zone" over disputed areas of the South China Sea, where the two nations have a separate territorial dispute.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, interviewed over ABS-CBN last Thursday, said, "There's this threat that China will control the air space (in the South China Sea)" after earlier this week asserting such control over air space around territories disputed with Japan.
The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the strategically vital and potentially resource-rich body of water.
Del Rosario noted China's declaration of the air defense zone in the East China Sea. "It transforms an entire air zone into China's domestic air space. And that is an infringement, and compromises the safety of civil aviation," del Rosario said. "It also compromises the national security of affected states."
The US and Japan have in recent days flouted the air defense zone, flying military aircraft - American bombers and Japanese coast guard planes - through the high-tension area. South Korea has also vowed to disregard China's declaration.
China's state media called Friday for "timely countermeasures without hesitation" if Japan violates the country's newly declared air zone. Beijing sent fighter jets to patrol the area after the defiant military overflights by Tokyo.
Japan and South Korea both said Thursday they had disregarded the "air defence identification zone (ADIZ)" that Beijing declared last weekend, showing a united front after US B-52 bombers also entered the area.
The zone includes disputed islands claimed by China, which knows them as the Diaoyus, but controlled by Japan, which calls them the Senkakus, and Beijing's ADIZ was condemned in Washington, Tokyo, South Korea and elsewhere.
China sent fighter jets and an early warning aircraft into the area Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency reported after Tokyo said its military and coastguard had both flown through it.
Washington has security alliances with both Tokyo and Seoul, and analysts say that neither China nor Japan - the world's second- and third-biggest economies, and major trading partners of each other - want to engage in armed conflict.
But Beijing is facing mounting internal pressure to assert itself.
The Global Times newspaper, which often takes a nationalistic tone, said in an editorial Friday: "We should carry out timely countermeasures without hesitation against Japan when it challenges China's newly declared ADIZ.
"If Tokyo flies its aircraft over the zone, we will be bound to send our plane to its ADIZ."
The paper, which is close to China's ruling Communist party, said: "If the trend continues, there will likely be frictions and confrontations and even tension in the air like in the Cold War era between the US and the Soviet Union. We are willing to engage in a protracted confrontation with Japan."
But it shied away from threatening Washington, which sent giant Stratofortress bombers inside the zone, issuing an unmistakable message.
"If the US does not go too far, we will not target it in safeguarding our air defence zone," the paper said, adding that Australia could be "ignored" and that South Korea "understands" as it has tensions of its own with Japan.
China's Communist Party seeks to bolster its public support by tapping into deep-seated resentment of Japan for its brutal invasion of the country in the 1930s.
The media rhetoric came after Chinese planes conducted air patrols on Thursday as "a defensive measure and in line with international common practices", Xinhua quoted People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke as saying.
China first sent fighters, scouts and early warning aircraft into the zone on Saturday, Xinhua reported earlier, and the East Sea Fleet's air arm has also been flying in the area, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The Chinese ADIZ requires aircraft to provide their flight plan, declare their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication -- or face unspecified "defensive emergency measures".
Both Japan and Washington have ADIZs of their own, and China accuses them of double standards, saying the real provocateur is Tokyo.
Defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said Thursday that Japan established its ADIZ in 1969, so Tokyo had "no right to make irresponsible remarks" about China's.
"If there are to be demands for a withdrawal, then we invite the Japanese side to first withdraw its air defence identification zone, and China may reconsider after 44 years," he said.
Tokyo denies that there is a dispute over the islands, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined Friday to be drawn on reports that a Chinese envoy had suggested setting up a mechanism to prevent mid-air incidents.
"Our country's principle is that we will assert our position firmly in a stern but calm manner," Suga said. "And we keep the window of dialogue open."
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the US and Japan planned to enhance military cooperation in the area, with Tokyo permanently stationing E-2C early-warning planes in Okinawa, and US Global Hawk unmanned drones expected to be operated from Japan soon.
US vice president Joe Biden is visiting the region next week, and administration officials said that while in Beijing he will raise Washington's concerns about the ADIZ, and China's assertiveness towards its neighbours.
The islands dispute lay dormant for decades but flared in September 2012 when Tokyo purchased three of the uninhabited outcrops from private owners.
Beijing accused Tokyo of changing the status quo and has since sent surveillance ships and aircraft to the area, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets hundreds of times.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75852/china-could-extend-air-defense-zone-over-west-philippine-sea-dfa-fears
The Philippines has voiced concern that China may extend its controversial "air defense zone" over disputed areas of the South China Sea, where the two nations have a separate territorial dispute.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, interviewed over ABS-CBN last Thursday, said, "There's this threat that China will control the air space (in the South China Sea)" after earlier this week asserting such control over air space around territories disputed with Japan.
The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the strategically vital and potentially resource-rich body of water.
Del Rosario noted China's declaration of the air defense zone in the East China Sea. "It transforms an entire air zone into China's domestic air space. And that is an infringement, and compromises the safety of civil aviation," del Rosario said. "It also compromises the national security of affected states."
The US and Japan have in recent days flouted the air defense zone, flying military aircraft - American bombers and Japanese coast guard planes - through the high-tension area. South Korea has also vowed to disregard China's declaration.
China's state media called Friday for "timely countermeasures without hesitation" if Japan violates the country's newly declared air zone. Beijing sent fighter jets to patrol the area after the defiant military overflights by Tokyo.
Japan and South Korea both said Thursday they had disregarded the "air defence identification zone (ADIZ)" that Beijing declared last weekend, showing a united front after US B-52 bombers also entered the area.
The zone includes disputed islands claimed by China, which knows them as the Diaoyus, but controlled by Japan, which calls them the Senkakus, and Beijing's ADIZ was condemned in Washington, Tokyo, South Korea and elsewhere.
China sent fighter jets and an early warning aircraft into the area Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency reported after Tokyo said its military and coastguard had both flown through it.
Washington has security alliances with both Tokyo and Seoul, and analysts say that neither China nor Japan - the world's second- and third-biggest economies, and major trading partners of each other - want to engage in armed conflict.
But Beijing is facing mounting internal pressure to assert itself.
The Global Times newspaper, which often takes a nationalistic tone, said in an editorial Friday: "We should carry out timely countermeasures without hesitation against Japan when it challenges China's newly declared ADIZ.
"If Tokyo flies its aircraft over the zone, we will be bound to send our plane to its ADIZ."
The paper, which is close to China's ruling Communist party, said: "If the trend continues, there will likely be frictions and confrontations and even tension in the air like in the Cold War era between the US and the Soviet Union. We are willing to engage in a protracted confrontation with Japan."
But it shied away from threatening Washington, which sent giant Stratofortress bombers inside the zone, issuing an unmistakable message.
"If the US does not go too far, we will not target it in safeguarding our air defence zone," the paper said, adding that Australia could be "ignored" and that South Korea "understands" as it has tensions of its own with Japan.
China's Communist Party seeks to bolster its public support by tapping into deep-seated resentment of Japan for its brutal invasion of the country in the 1930s.
The media rhetoric came after Chinese planes conducted air patrols on Thursday as "a defensive measure and in line with international common practices", Xinhua quoted People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke as saying.
China first sent fighters, scouts and early warning aircraft into the zone on Saturday, Xinhua reported earlier, and the East Sea Fleet's air arm has also been flying in the area, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The Chinese ADIZ requires aircraft to provide their flight plan, declare their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication -- or face unspecified "defensive emergency measures".
Both Japan and Washington have ADIZs of their own, and China accuses them of double standards, saying the real provocateur is Tokyo.
Defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said Thursday that Japan established its ADIZ in 1969, so Tokyo had "no right to make irresponsible remarks" about China's.
"If there are to be demands for a withdrawal, then we invite the Japanese side to first withdraw its air defence identification zone, and China may reconsider after 44 years," he said.
Tokyo denies that there is a dispute over the islands, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined Friday to be drawn on reports that a Chinese envoy had suggested setting up a mechanism to prevent mid-air incidents.
"Our country's principle is that we will assert our position firmly in a stern but calm manner," Suga said. "And we keep the window of dialogue open."
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the US and Japan planned to enhance military cooperation in the area, with Tokyo permanently stationing E-2C early-warning planes in Okinawa, and US Global Hawk unmanned drones expected to be operated from Japan soon.
US vice president Joe Biden is visiting the region next week, and administration officials said that while in Beijing he will raise Washington's concerns about the ADIZ, and China's assertiveness towards its neighbours.
The islands dispute lay dormant for decades but flared in September 2012 when Tokyo purchased three of the uninhabited outcrops from private owners.
Beijing accused Tokyo of changing the status quo and has since sent surveillance ships and aircraft to the area, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets hundreds of times.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75852/china-could-extend-air-defense-zone-over-west-philippine-sea-dfa-fears
2 kidnapped men rescued in Sulu province
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 29): 2 kidnapped men rescued in Sulu province
Sulu Governor Totoh Tan and municipal and provincial officials with two rescued kidnapped victims Lindo Estrada and Itih Partosa. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Ahl
Salinas)
Authorities on Friday have rescued two men who were kidnapped in the southern Tawi-Tawi province and brought to Sulu province, officials said.
Officials said Lindo Estrada and Itih Partosa, who are both carpenters, were seized by gunmen while working on a contracted project in Simunul town in September.
The men, who are both fromZamboanga City Omar
The victims’ guards managed to escape after seeing security forces heading their way in thevillage Sucuban
The two men said they were first brought to the town ofPata
He said the two men met with the governor and other town officials and thanked them for their safe recovery.
“Governor Tan ordered medical personnel to examine the victims who were later handed over to the military in the capital town ofJolo
It was unknown whether the kidnappers were members of the Abu Sayyaf or criminals operating in Tawi-Tawi province.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/2-kidnapped-men-rescued-in-sulu-province.html
Sulu Governor Totoh Tan and municipal and provincial officials with two rescued kidnapped victims Lindo Estrada and Itih Partosa. (
Authorities on Friday have rescued two men who were kidnapped in the southern Tawi-Tawi province and brought to Sulu province, officials said.
Officials said Lindo Estrada and Itih Partosa, who are both carpenters, were seized by gunmen while working on a contracted project in Simunul town in September.
The men, who are both from
The victims’ guards managed to escape after seeing security forces heading their way in the
The two men said they were first brought to the town of
He said the two men met with the governor and other town officials and thanked them for their safe recovery.
“Governor Tan ordered medical personnel to examine the victims who were later handed over to the military in the capital town of
It was unknown whether the kidnappers were members of the Abu Sayyaf or criminals operating in Tawi-Tawi province.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/2-kidnapped-men-rescued-in-sulu-province.html
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