AFP: Implementation of new defense concept not meant to escalate tension in WPS

 From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 10, 2024): AFP: Implementation of new defense concept not meant to escalate tension in WPS (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) adoption of a new defense concept centered on the protection of the country’s maritime territory is not intended to escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla explained that the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) is crucial for enhancing the country’s defense posture, but not necessarily to lock horns with any other nation.

The Philippines has overlapping maritime territorial claims with China in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines is an archipelagic country so we are composed of several islands and we have to enhance our defense posture in terms of the territorial waters surrounding our archipelagic country,” Padilla said in a radio interview over dzBB on Sunday, March 10.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered his military to coordinate their actions and prepare for potential maritime conflict.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said they are working closely with the AFP for the implementation of the CADC to "[develop] our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)."

“For us, we cannot speculate on the other side. We can only be speaking in terms of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. For our end, our actions are not really meant to escalate tensions, rather, these are regular operations in our territorial waters,” Padilla stated.

The AFP has been regularly conducting resupply mission in all the nine features it occupies in the Spratly Island, including Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Last week, the resupply mission was marred by a collision between a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, which supported the indigenous boats chartered by the AFP to bring the supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost in Ayungin Shoal, and a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship. The CCG also fired water cannons against the Philippine vessels.

Four Filipino personnel were hurt in the mission, drawing condemnation locally and internationally towards China.

“The AFP strongly asserts the legitimacy of our operations within the West Philippine Sea. These are guided by international rules-based order and international law, and our commitment to protecting our national sovereignty,” Padilla stressed.

“Any challenges that we will be facing will be addressed with utmost professionalism. However, let it be clear that the AFP is fully prepared to defend ourselves and the lives of our members if necessary,” she added.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/9/afp-implementation-of-new-defense-concept-not-meant-to-escalate-tension-in-wps