Ayungin Shoal
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China is pushing South China Sea situation to the brink of miscalculation
Artificial Island, Ayungin Shoal, BRP Sierra Madre, China, Militarization, Military Conflict, Military Exercises, Naval Blockade, Philippines, Reclamation, South China Sea Dispute, SpratlysSecurity experts believe China is pushing the region to the “brink of miscalculations” in the South China Sea with its expansive land reclamation in disputed territories as the Philippines anticipates more blockades by the Chinese in the West Philippine Sea once their facilities become fully operational next year. “The bases are being constructed very fast, done rapidly, that it’s estimated…
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Kerry: US will defend allies in Asia-Pacific
Ayungin Shoal, China, Foreign Relations, John Kerry, Mutual Defense, Panatag Shoal, Rebalance, South China Sea Dispute, USAMANILA, Philippines – The United States wants stronger ties with China but is committed to defending allies in the region, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday. Kerry said he and US President Barack Obama would be working for the interests of their allies in the South China Sea when they meet leaders of the Asia Pacific region at…
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China’s Island Factory
Ayungin Shoal, BRP Sierra Madre, China, Mabini Reef, Pagasa, Philippines, South China Sea Dispute, South Johnson Reef, Spratlys, VietnamNew islands are being made in the disputed South China Sea by the might of the Chinese state. But a group of marooned Filipinos on a rusting wreck is trying to stand in the way. The boat pitches up and down and rolls from side to side in the heavy swell. The noise of the big diesel motor, just below…
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Reed Bank: South China Sea flashpoint
The Philippines is seeking to develop the seabed hydrocarbon resources of Reed Bank in the South China Sea, an area under dispute with China. Should Manila put plan to action, Beijing is likely to dispatch enforcement vessels to disrupt such activities. Given the deteriorating bilateral relationship, tensions between the two countries are in danger of escalating to the point of…
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Implications of the Philippines-US military deal
Ayungin Shoal, Bajo de Masinloc, China, EDCA, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, Philippines, Scarborough Shoal, South China Sea Dispute, UNCLOSPresident Barack Obama’s visit to the Philippines, the last leg of his recent 4-nation Asian tour, produced a new bilateral defense agreement that was touted by some observers as the single most significant outcome of his regional foray. The agreement was said to contribute to his goals of reassuring allies and signaling that the United States is serious about its…
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5 Chinese vessels deployed near shoal
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Philippines – China has deployed five vessels – a survey ship, a frigate and three surveillance vessels – close to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Nomad plane saw the Chinese deployment while delivering provisions to the Marine troops on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The STAR joined yesterday’s…
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5 Chinese vessels deployed near shoal
UERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Philippines – China has deployed five vessels – a survey ship, a frigate and three surveillance vessels – close to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Nomad plane saw the Chinese deployment while delivering provisions to the Marine troops on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The STAR joined yesterday’s…
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Philippines-China ties: What went wrong?
Ayungin Shoal, China, Diplomatic Relations, EDCA, Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, Foreign Policy, Memorial, Panatag Shoal, Philippines, South China Sea Dispute“IS this how the Philippines should deal with its powerhouse neighbor?” Former President Fidel V. Ramos raised this question in 2011 following conflicting reports on the dates of President Benigno S. Aquino’s state visit to China. But back then, relations between the Philippines and China were still in good shape. Hu Jintao was then the Chinese president. China was in…
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Group tags China’s WPS claim ‘immoral, illegal, substandard’
THE Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said the Chinese government is violating the sovereign rights of the Filipino people for insisting that the Ayuningin Shoal and eight other islands within the exclusive economic zone of Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) belong to China. Pamalakaya Vice Chairman Salvador France urged China to drop what…
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China eavesdropping on PH maritime activities?
MANILA – China has not only deployed and maintained the presence of its surveillance and navy ships in the West Philippine Sea, but has positioned advanced communications equipment as well to eavesdrop on all naval and maritime activities of the Philippine military based in Palawan. “The Chinese, using their advanced communication equipment, are now capable of intercepting and monitoring our…