AFP: China's actions in WPS leading to global isolation

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said China's actions in the West Philippine Sea was leading to global isolation even as multiple countries have come forward to back the Philippine's position on the territorial dispute.

"The irresponsible and aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard is leading China to global isolation," added the AFP's spokesperson. "While many countries have already expressed their support for our position, no country has ever come forward to openly support China's claim over the WPS."

At a Saturday news forum in Quezon City, Aguilar said that aside from the United States, a long-term ally of the Philippines, Japan and Australia, also expressed their intent to have a joint sail with the Philippines in the WPS.

On Thursday, AFP chief General Brawner Jr. said more countries had conveyed their intention to join the joint sail.

According to Brawner, the interest of other countries was “a very good indication” for the Philippines that there were like-minded nations who wanted to promote a rules-based international order and ensure security in the Indo-Pacific region.

For his part, AFP-Western Command Commander Vice Admiral Albert Carlos said that “whoever offers to help us, we are studying it carefully.”

“There is no decision yet whether we will do joint patrol… It’s still on the table,” Carlos said.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the importance of alliances with like-minded countries amid “the changing threat situation” in the WPS.

“With the changing threat situation at saka ang mga kilos ng ating mga katunggali sa WPS, kailangan talagang i-leverage natin ang ating mga alyansa hindi naman para kung ano man, but to enforce the rules-based international order at ang UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Teodoro told reporters at the Senate.

(With the changing threat situation and the actions of our rivals in the WPS, we must leverage our alliances, not just for anything, but to enforce the rules-based international order and the UNCLOS.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News