Posted to Marianas Variety (Apr 7, 2023): Australian expert urges Philippines to build military base on Pag-asa
(NYMWPS) — An Australian defense and security expert said the Philippines government should build a military base on Pag-asa Island in the face of increasing Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.Carlyle Thayer, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of New South Wales and the Australian Defense Force Academy, has also suggested to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen military cooperation with Australia and Japan.
In a recent online talk organized by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea or NYMWPS, a peaceful, nonpartisan and transglobal organization that advocates for the preservation of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity, Thayer said opening a military base on Pag-asa island and other facilities in the West Philippine Sea would be a major demonstration of Philippine sovereignty over the region.
Pag-asa, internationally known as Thitu, is the largest in the Kalayaan Island Group, and serves as the seat of the local government of Kalayaan municipality, Palawan province. It is home to more than 400 people, and is 277 miles from Puerto Princesa City and 579 miles from Manila.
Thayer also suggested expanding the Philippines’ treaties with Japan, Australia, and the U.S. while formulating procedures in handling the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels.
“It is imperative that signatories of these treaties clarify and present the same position to China that this is unacceptable behavior,” he added, referring to China's illegal military presence in the South China Sea.
Thayer said the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty, the Status of Forces Agreement, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. provide defense consultation, collaboration, capability building for maritime security, and serve as a deterrence against Chinese aggression in the region.
Thayer believes the three accords "allow for more frequent visits of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard to tense regions. This also serves as an opportunity for holding more naval drills and activities with countries like the United States, who in turn can help resupply critical units like in Ayungin Shoal."
He said these agreements are “provocative” to China because they threaten China’s illegal occupation in the region.
But “there is no ground for neutrality in China’s massive military threat. Don't trust Chinese intentions," he added.
China’s embassy in Manila has criticized the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, saying that it “will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability.”
President Marcos has allowed the U.S. to access four more locations aside from the five existing sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Before Thayer could answer questions from the online participants, a voice was heard uttering incomprehensible statements while the screen-sharing features displayed lewd images which forced the organizers to stop the online event.
Whether this was an intentional attack against the NYMWPS or Thayer or just a prank, he said it was a sign that the group’s efforts have been effective in standing up to its adversaries. He also advised the group to continue pursuing its mission and goals.
Dr. Celia Lamkin, a CNMI and Guam resident, is the global chair and founder of the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea.
Thayer also suggested expanding the Philippines’ treaties with Japan, Australia, and the U.S. while formulating procedures in handling the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels.
“It is imperative that signatories of these treaties clarify and present the same position to China that this is unacceptable behavior,” he added, referring to China's illegal military presence in the South China Sea.
Thayer said the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty, the Status of Forces Agreement, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. provide defense consultation, collaboration, capability building for maritime security, and serve as a deterrence against Chinese aggression in the region.
Thayer believes the three accords "allow for more frequent visits of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard to tense regions. This also serves as an opportunity for holding more naval drills and activities with countries like the United States, who in turn can help resupply critical units like in Ayungin Shoal."
He said these agreements are “provocative” to China because they threaten China’s illegal occupation in the region.
But “there is no ground for neutrality in China’s massive military threat. Don't trust Chinese intentions," he added.
China’s embassy in Manila has criticized the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, saying that it “will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability.”
President Marcos has allowed the U.S. to access four more locations aside from the five existing sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
Before Thayer could answer questions from the online participants, a voice was heard uttering incomprehensible statements while the screen-sharing features displayed lewd images which forced the organizers to stop the online event.
Whether this was an intentional attack against the NYMWPS or Thayer or just a prank, he said it was a sign that the group’s efforts have been effective in standing up to its adversaries. He also advised the group to continue pursuing its mission and goals.
Dr. Celia Lamkin, a CNMI and Guam resident, is the global chair and founder of the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea.
https://www.mvariety.com/news/australian-expert-urges-philippines-to-build-military-base-on-pag-asa/article_d679d4d8-d48e-11ed-ae93-2fa33eff982c.html
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.