As tensions in the South China Sea escalate, the United States and the Philippines have launched a new maritime cooperation program to enhance the operational readiness and maritime law enforcement capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard ships.
Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Ronnie Gil Gavan and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson boarded the BRP Gabriela Silang, a Philippine Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel, at the Manila Port on Friday, October 17th, to jointly officiate the launch ceremony.
The Philippine Coast Guard has stated in a press release that this 3-year program, totaling 140 million pesos (2,408,770 US dollars), is funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the US Coast Guard (USCG).
The program includes over 110 courses and practical training sessions for Philippine personnel in the United States over the next 3 years, covering training centers and relevant units of the US Coast Guard across the country. Additionally, almost 60 courses and expert exchange activities will be held in the Philippines to strengthen the operations, maintenance capabilities, and personnel training of the Philippine side.
Commander Gavan expressed gratitude for the long-term support from the US, emphasizing that this new cooperation deepens the partnership between the two countries. Ambassador Carlson stated that this is not just an investment in hardware, but also an investment in people, ensuring the continued safety, openness, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
Citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Philippines asserts its rights to exclusive economic zones extending 200 nautical miles from its shores. On the other hand, China claims most of the South China Sea based on the nine-dash line, leading to overlapping claims and disputes between the two nations. The Philippine Coast Guard plays a key role in the Philippines’ efforts to counter China’s maritime activities in the South China Sea.
On October 12th, a collision occurred between a Chinese Coast Guard ship and a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries official vessel in waters near Zhongye Island. The Philippines released a video accusing the Chinese side of water cannon use and pursuit leading to the collision, while the Chinese Coast Guard claimed that the Philippine vessel illegally entered the area, disregarded warnings, and dangerously approached their enforcement ship, resulting in the incident.
On the evening of October 13th, the Philippine Coast Guard further accused Chinese Coast Guard ships, militia vessels, and warships of harassing Philippine official vessels near the Mischief Reef and Gaven Reefs in the Spratly Islands.
Translated from 中央社