‘Increase of US navigation patrols no problem’

The Philippines has no problem with the plan of the United States to increase its Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPS) in the South China Sea with partners and treaty allies, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said.

“If the US, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, France and New Zealand and even India would want to patrol the South China Sea, then that is alright with us if the only intent is to show freedom of navigation,” Esperon said yesterday.

However, if the intention is to go near contested areas, Esperon said then the operations could only spark more tension.

Early this week, two US guided-missile destroyers – USS Spruance and USS Preble – sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Chinese occupied Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.

Now a heavily fortified Chinese military base in the disputed region, Panganiban Reef is located within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.

Beijing denounced the latest US Navy’s action, calling it a violation of China’s maritime and territorial rights in the region.

A senior US Navy official earlier said more FONOPs would be launched in the near future with treaty allies.

Britain had earlier announced plans to deploy its new aircraft carrier to the South China Sea.

While any nation may send ships to the South China Sea, Esperon said it would be best if military deployments are reduced.

“Since nobody is prohibiting anyway any ships from sailing in the South China Sea, then I believe that it would be better if we reduce the number of military deployments. Admittedly, it becomes very unbalanced because China itself has deployed not only the Navy but its coast guard and civilian water craft,” he said.

He also said his office is now studying the viability of internationalizing all the features in disputed waters to allow all countries access to these areas.

Esperon made his position known following Beijing’s announcement of its setting up of a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan Reef. He said he hopes an “internationalization” of contested areas would also pave the way for demilitarization.

For instance, Esperon said he is not against having visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia and other neighboring countries, including China, to the Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island.

Told that such development would weaken the Philippine territorial and maritime position over the Kalayaan Island Group, he reiterated that the administration is not surrendering an inch of the country’s territory.