China military’s coercive actions decreased during WPS drills of PH, other nations

The coercive actions of the Chinese military decreased every time the Philippines conducted exercises with other countries in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday.

“We have noted a marked decrease in the illegal and coercive actions of the [People’s Liberation Army Navy] each time there is a multilateral or bilateral maritime cooperative activity,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing.

“And expect that there will be more of these activities to come in the future,” he added.

The latest maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the WPS was with the French forces on February 21, in which no Chinese vessels were seen near the venue of the drills.

“During the conduct of the MCA with the French Navy and the Armed Forces, there were no PLA Navy, Coast Guard, or maritime militia noted within close proximity. They were at a distance of more than 120 nautical miles away,” Trinidad said.

Asked about Trinidad’s statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said, “In China, we have an expression to describe the PH Navy sentiment you provide, Mr. Q's Syndrome of Mental Victory.”

“Put it simply, 'someone assumes that he or she is always right and victorious,’” it added.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. — BAP, GMA Integrated News