Chiz: More military aid from US will not provoke China

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2024): Chiz: More military aid from US will not provoke China (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

US MILITARY AID. About USD2 million worth of assorted military equipment from the United States government arrive via a US KC-10A aircraft at the Haribon Terminal, Clark Air Base in Pampanga on May 3, 2022. Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday (July 31, 2024) dismissed concerns about provoking tensions with China after the US decided to allocate an additional USD500 million in military financing to the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday dismissed concerns about provoking tensions with China after the United States decided to allocate an additional USD500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines.

“I do not think this will provoke or agitate China because strengthening one’s own military, like them and most countries, in order to keep the peace, is the right and obligation of every country,” Escudero said in a statement.

The Senate President expressed his gratitude for the unprecedented assistance and emphasized the importance of the US-Philippines partnership in maintaining peace, and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

"This shows that we (the US and the Philippines) are indeed friends and, more importantly, equal partners in maintaining peace, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based approach to differences and disagreements,” Escudero said.

The funding announcement was made during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Manila, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III on the US side, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on the Philippine side, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations.

Thankful

The AFP welcomed the US’ grant of USD500 million in foreign military financing.

"It highlights the steadfast support for enhancing the capabilities of the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard, ensuring we can effectively fulfill our territorial defense mission and contribute to regional security and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters Wednesday.

Padilla declined to give more details about the grant, saying these “will be deferred to the Department of National Defense.”

PH-US ties comply with int’l law

Teodoro Jr., meanwhile, said US-Philippine relations have always been anchored on adherence to international law.

"I believe our relationship is based on two fundamental things. First is sustainability. Our engagements have always been on the principle of sustainability and not one-time things. Secondly, we share principles, fundamental principles of adherence to international law and rules-based international order," he said on the sidelines of the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting.

Aside from the US, Teodoro said other like-minded partners of the Philippines have realized that building Manila’s defense posture is vital in upholding international law in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a press conference at the House of Representatives media center, lawmakers welcomed the historic military financing commitment, acknowledging its significance for a strong alliance between the two countries and its importance to the nation’s capability to protect and defend its sovereignty.

Deputy Speaker, Quezon Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, noted the importance of the US commitment, given the upcoming US presidential elections.

“The unwavering support from the US for the Philippines, regardless of the election outcome, reinforces the long-standing, iron-clad relationship between the two nations,” Suarez said.

The important thing, he added, is that whoever wins the presidential race in November, the position of the US and the Philippines should remain the same.

Suarez also highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and national sovereignty, as emphasized during his recent State of the Nation Address.

He said the funding would bolster the capabilities of the AFP and the PCG amid tensions in the WPS.

To Assistant Majority Leader, Manila Rep. Ernesto Dionisio Jr., any addition to the country's defense resources is a positive development.

“Well, ako (for me), any addition is positive. So, you know it is a welcoming thing na magdo-donate ang America ng (that America is donating) PHP29 billion that can really be used to upgrade our capabilities ng (of our) WPS team natin, ng (of the) Coast Guard, at ng (and of the) Armed Forces,” he said.

Committee on Dangerous Drugs chair, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, said the US military aid would provide critical support to the PCG not only in monitoring and guarding the WPS but also the east coast of the country.

“Now that funds will be extended to the Philippine government, that will purposely upgrade the capability of our Coast Guard," Barbers said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/Zaldy De Layola/PNA)


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230149