The Philippine government is hopeful that “no untoward incident” will occur during the visit of a nuclear-powered United States aircraft carrier in the West Philippine Sea.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque found nothing irregular with the visit of USS Carl Vinson in the region, saying it was part of a “freedom of navigation” operation.
“All vessels, including aircraft carriers, are entitled to freedom of navigation in the WPS (West Philippine Sea). We hope there will be no untoward incident on the occasion of the visit of USS Carl Vinson in our region,” Roque said.
The United States recently deployed the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to conduct maritime security operations in the South China Sea as part of promoting freedom of the seas and enhancing regional security. The deployment of the US warship came in the wake of the alleged provocative combat missions by Chinese jets in the disputed territory.
Prior to the ship’s arrival in Manila, Executive Secretary Salvador Madialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar were among the top government officials invited to tour the Carl Vinson while sailing though the South China Sea.
President Duterte, who has openly criticized the US government for meddling in domestic affairs, was a no-show during the tour of the US aircraft carrier.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/16/govt-hopes-no-untoward-incident-will-happen-during-us-aircraft-carrier-visit/
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