Philippines won't back down, says president
Source: Agencies |
July 24, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PHILIPPINE President Benigno Aquino III says his country won't back down from a South China Sea dispute with China and that his country's military would soon get dozens of new aircraft and ships for maritime defense.
During his annual state of the nation address yesterday, Aquino said that more than 40 military aircraft - from refurbished C-130 cargo planes to attack helicopters - and other weapons would be delivered in the next two years.
A second Coast Guard cutter would arrive soon from longtime ally the United States. A similar vessel from the US was relaunched by the Philippine navy last year as its largest and most modern warship.
Washington has also provided US$30 million to strengthen the Philippine military aside from US help in establishing a national coast watch center to help protect the archipelago's coastline, Aquino said.
But the Philippines was aiming to forge a peaceful solution acceptable to China, he said.
A standoff erupted in April between Chinese and Philippine ships at Huangyan Island. Aquino withdrew his country's ships last month as tensions with Beijing escalated, but Chinese ships have stayed.
Some lawmakers have suggested the Aquino administration quietly negotiate a compromise with China. A Philippine senator described the feud as a clash between a "mosquito" and "a dragon."
About 6,000 police officers were deployed to secure the House of Representatives, where Aquino spoke. Several people were hurt when riot police clashed with protesters seeking higher wages, land reform and an end to alleged human rights violations.
During his annual state of the nation address yesterday, Aquino said that more than 40 military aircraft - from refurbished C-130 cargo planes to attack helicopters - and other weapons would be delivered in the next two years.
A second Coast Guard cutter would arrive soon from longtime ally the United States. A similar vessel from the US was relaunched by the Philippine navy last year as its largest and most modern warship.
Washington has also provided US$30 million to strengthen the Philippine military aside from US help in establishing a national coast watch center to help protect the archipelago's coastline, Aquino said.
But the Philippines was aiming to forge a peaceful solution acceptable to China, he said.
A standoff erupted in April between Chinese and Philippine ships at Huangyan Island. Aquino withdrew his country's ships last month as tensions with Beijing escalated, but Chinese ships have stayed.
Some lawmakers have suggested the Aquino administration quietly negotiate a compromise with China. A Philippine senator described the feud as a clash between a "mosquito" and "a dragon."
About 6,000 police officers were deployed to secure the House of Representatives, where Aquino spoke. Several people were hurt when riot police clashed with protesters seeking higher wages, land reform and an end to alleged human rights violations.
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