The announcement of US Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral
Scott Swift, reassuring allies of American willingness to act against a
perceived Chinese threats in the region, was warmly received by ranking
Filipino defense and military officials Saturday.
"It's always welcome to hear words of commitment from
US officials particular in light of as we faced together an oppressive
neighbor," Defense spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said in a message to
the PNA.
Swift is in the Philippines
He was appointed Pacific Fleet commander last May 27,
replacing Admiral Harry B. Harris, who is now current commander of United
States Pacific Command.
Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice
Admiral Jesus C. Millan reiterated Galvez's statement and stressed that Swift's
pronouncement's indicated American commitment to the region.
"His strong statement as Commander Pac Fleet indicates
the US
"This is good for all those using the sea lanes,
including us as freedom of navigation and overflight will be maintained,"
Millan pointed out.
Swift earlier said that the US Navy was “very interested” in
increasing both drills and America ’s
presence in the region, largely in response to perceived threat from China
"The reason that people continue to ask about the
long-term commitment and intentions of the Pacific Fleet is reflective really
of all the uncertainty that has generated in the theater now," he said.
Yet, even without a military buildup in the region, Swift
remains confident that the US
"(I am) very satisfied with the resources that I have
available to me as the Pacific Fleet commander," Swift said.
"We are ready and prepared to respond to any
contingency that the President may suggest would be necessary," he
concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784116
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