CHINA TOPIX

11/22/2024 10:20:41 am

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Philippines And China Fight Over Spratlys, US intervenes

Spratlys

The ongoing tension with the Philippines and China over Spratlys never cease to stop as United States steps into the scene.

In an opinion article in Straits Times, US claim that China has been bullying the Philippines as a tactic to enforce its claims in the island.

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Despite the fact, that China has done little to interfere with the freedom of navigation and overflight in the area, they added.

However, the Philippines had a different opinion on things. The country was alarmed by China's rapid creation of reclamation sites in China.

Jane Villarin, Macarascas, Palawan village head, said in an interview with South China Post that they didn't feel the tension before but now they can feel it.

She explained that they are afraid that China would one day come to their town because of the territorial dispute.

Villarin also explained that majority of the townspeople support the naval expansion plan of the country.

Gerry Ginez, a resident from Macarascas, said in an interview with CNBC that there is a need for U.S. Naval presence in the Philippines for protection.

Carlos Quirante, a resident from Bahile, Palawan, said that he opposed the expansion before but feeling the tension he now agrees with it.

He said that he has no qualms on the naval base because he realized that it is for the nation's security.

Gregorio Catapang, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that the development of a naval based in the country is the top priority of the Philippines.

Catapang explained the Philippines is planning to transform Oyster Bay, a small naval facility on a cove within Uluguan Bay in Palawan province into an operating base in the next five years.

He explained that the base would also benefit the US Navy. They would be allowed to refuel and resupply their stock in the base.

Back in the 90s, the Philippines once hosted an American Naval Facility in Subic Bay, Zambales.

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