Philippines Commissions US Ships Amid China's 'Illegal Activities' in South China Sea

Philippines Commissions US Ships to Counter China’s ‘Illegal Activities’ in South China Sea

TruthUSA September 11, 2023 0 Comments

The Philippine Navy commissioned two Cyclone-class patrol ships donated by the United States on Monday to enhance its capacity in the face of China’s ongoing “illegal activities” in the South China Sea.

Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci said the vessels, BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa, will be used for coastal patrols, humanitarian support, and disaster relief operations.

“They will enhance the Navy’s capacity to defend our maritime nation’s interest and bolster our adaptability [in] addressing various security challenges, from piracy and illicit activities to disaster response and maritime law enforcement,” he said, according to GMA News.

Related Stories

Australia-Philippines Ties Undergo 'Watershed' Moment Amid Rising Indo-Pacific Tensions

Australia Continues Ramp up of Ties With Philippines

The vessels, formerly known as USS Monsoon and USS Chinook, were initially stationed in Bahrain. The U.S. Navy decommissioned the ships on March 28 and transferred them to the Philippines under the Excess Defense Article program.

The two vessels will be integrated into the Philippine Navy’s Alvarez-class patrol ships, which Mr. Adaci said are “essential in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment” surrounding the country.

The Philippines has intensified its patrols in the South China Sea to counter illegal entry by Chinese vessels into its territorial waters, including resuming joint patrols with the United States and Australia.

Tense Encounter Between Philippine, Chinese Ships

Recently, eight Chinese ships allegedly tried to block two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships—BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan—in Ayungin Shoal (also known as the Second Thomas Shoal).

The PCG said that four Chinese coast guard ships and four maritime militia vessels swarmed around its ships, engaging in “dangerous maneuvers” while the PCG ships were escorting two boats on a resupply mission to a troop station at the BRP Sierra Madre on Sept. 8.

The PCG did not specify the exact timing of the incident. Radio Free Asia said it occurred after 7 a.m. local time, with “a dozen more” radio exchanges and challenges between the Philippine and Chinese ships.

PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese ships’ actions jeopardized the safety of crew members aboard the PCG vessels and resupply boats. The resupply mission was successful despite the incident, he added.

“The PCG calls upon the [Chinese Coast Guard] and [Chinese Maritime Militia] to immediately cease any illegal activities within the maritime zones of the Philippines,” Mr. Tarriela said in a statement.