Philippine authorities have maintained their so-called “assertive transparency” method since early 2023, publicizing Chinese actions within the disputed sea passage that embody harassment of vessels and fishermen.
“Transparency is supposed to point out the reality. We are merely exercising our authorized rights and haven’t began any clashes,” Manalo mentioned of the technique.
“All we had been attempting to do, in some instances, was provide our troops or information our fishermen, but we had been subjected to harassment, intimidation, even collisions and hearth hoses. So, one of the simplest ways to show our level is to publicize it… by exhibiting the details as they’re.”
DEFENSE UPDATES
The Philippines is a long-time ally of the United States, and a mutual treaty obliges Washington and Manila to defend one another in main conflicts.
Last month, the Philippines introduced plans to amass the US Typhon missile system as a part of efforts to guard its maritime pursuits, prompting criticism from China that the transfer dangers a regional “arms race”.
The buy is predicted to take not less than two years to finish.
Manalo mentioned the acquisition is “solely supposed to modernize our protection forces (and) enhance our protection capabilities.”
“We are dedicated to peace within the area. So, any sort of improve…is definitely to enhance our defensive capabilities, and never for some other sort of motion.”
TRUMP PRESIDENCY COMING SOON
Manalo mentioned he expects Philippine-American relations to stay good when Donald Trump assumes the US presidency on January 20, supported by many years of cooperation on widespread pursuits.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, in a congratulatory telephone name with Trump after final November’s US election, mentioned each international locations’ want to strengthen their alliance.
“The trade (between Marcos and Trump) offers confidence that issues will go as they’re. It looks as if we’ve a quite common notion of the scenario right here within the area,” Manalo mentioned.
“Now we’ve many areas of cooperation… not solely in protection and navy, however (additionally) financial cooperation (and) the non-public sector.”
He pointed to Trump’s first time period between 2017 and 2021, when each nations loved sturdy ties. Trump even praised the “glorious relationship” with then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Our alliance has turn into stronger, our partnership has been stronger… Much of this navy cooperation is a part of our mutual protection treaty… in addition to numerous different agreements comparable to our Visiting Forces Agreement,” he mentioned.
“These construct on the commitments we’ve had with the United States for the final 75 years… and can proceed.”
