via Defense News.
“We have a clear message to the world: The Philippines is for Filipinos, and we have the capability to resist bullies entering our backyard,” Aquino told naval chiefs.A few things.
Aquino detailed a 75 billion peso military modernization program that gives priority to upgrading the Navy, which is one of the weakest in Southeast Asia. He said by 2017 the Philippines would acquire two new frigates, two helicopters capable of anti-submarine warfare, three fast vessels for coastal patrols and eight amphibious assault vehicles.
“We will also improve our communications, intelligence and surveillance systems,” he said.
The Philippines has been locked for more than two years in an increasingly hostile dispute with China over rival claims to the South China Sea, which is believed to sit atop vast resources of oil and gas. China insists it has sovereign rights to most of the sea, even waters close to the coasts of Southeast Asian countries. Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also claim parts of the sea.
China has in recent years taken what the Philippines and Vietnam say are increasingly aggressive actions to assert its claims. The Philippines said that on May 21, three Chinese vessels — a warship and two maritime surveillance vessels — had established a presence near the Filipino-claimed Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin.
* Chinese aggression can no longer be ignored or denied.
* Do NOT make the mistake of believing that a superior military power will be victorious when invading a smaller country. THE MOST DETERMINED ALWAYS WIN...if you're fighting for your home, you have tremendous MOTIVATION.
* Read the history of the war between China and Vietnam. I expect replays of that conflict to break out soon.
* Do not underestimate the Philippine Marine Corps. They are small, yet fierce fighters and have a wealth of experience operating in the Jungles and are considered RELIABLE by the democratically elected government (over several administrations).
I said all that to say this. If the Phillipines are seeing China as a clear threat then we have crossed a line and are heading toward danger. They are not a wealthy people but are now devoting an increasingly large portion of their national treasure towards defense.
That should be both telling and chilling for Asia watchers.
That last bit was aimed directly at me huh, Sol? :D
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help it!!!!!! while i was writing this voice i heard your imagined voice talking to me ...basically talking shit to me about how wrong i was and such....did i over react?
DeleteDude, my post above was in a friendly jest. No way did I ever say you talk BS.
DeleteThe problem with The Philippines is that their Military is hand tied by corruption and their corrupt leaders are getting in the way of military modernization. They want a creditable military to defend themselves. That's why The Philippines needs a massive military overhaul to keep up with the 21st century
ReplyDeletei keep hearing that but its a backward looking sentiment. what you're seeing now is an external threat to the nation. a threat that has sent warships into its territory. a threat that is making claims on Philippine territory.
Deleteall bets are off when that happens and people clean up their act real quick. just check out how the US responds once the masses realize that all the cheap stuff from China is just a trojan horse and that they're a mortal enemy. you won't see all this Ferengi behavior from our businesses then!
That's why the Philippine is starting to realize, if they want to protect their Nation from China, they need a creditable military with a Massive Navy and Air force. From where they stand now, they have decades of catchup because they let their Military slide into ruin. Now that China is throwing it's weight around, the Philippine's are realizing that it's going to take decades for them to play catch up and have a creditable Military. The one thing they need to do is clean up their corruption and get rid of those who stand in the way. At the same time, buy Multi Role Frigates, Corvettes, LPD ships and patrol Boats. If they have any spare money, a couple of Kilo class SSKs. Their Air force can use a overhaul and buy Hind attack helo's, Super Tucano's, F/A-50's and maybe JAS-39 Gripens
DeleteNice vintage M-14 there.
ReplyDeleteyeah and it'll punch through jungle undergrowth.
DeletePatrick,
DeleteThe Muslims in the south hate M14. Very good stopping power and chances of anyone bleeding to death or suffering a painful infection (before death) in the undergrowth of the southern Philippines is too much.
In combat, whether Philippine Army, Marines or National Police, they target the ones who's holding 0.30 weapons first.
Back in the mid- to late-80's (after Marcos left for Hawaii), the Philippines underwent a significant turmoil. Everyone was accusing anyone.
ReplyDeleteIt was also the time when the military found a voice and coup de etat almost every year.
True, there was only one time a PM BLT unit joined the rebellion and this was because the battalion CO "tricked" switched.
Otherwise, everytime there was a coup, Armed Forces of the Philippine echeleon would always ask the question, "And what side are the (Philippine) Marines on?".
Defense, this is going to be the only way the AFP can do itself. Win the war? I doubt.
So what if? What if PLAN takes one of the island in the Spratleys currently occupied by Philippines? What will the Philippines do? What will China do?
Sol, I'm not saying you talk cr@p here. Open debate. I ain't going to go down to the level of calling degenerating names.
The Philippines have a long way to go.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't doubt the bravery or dedication of their servicemen, neither their Air Force or Navy have any capable, modern platforms. Those capabilities have atrophied and it will take a decade at least before they can A.) afford to buy ships and planes and B.) train crews to man them.
In the mean time, the Philippines could host multi-nation 'exercises' with forces from the US, Australia, South Korea, Japan, India, etc. because that is about the only thing that might keep China at bay.
Whether their political leadership is up to it or not, I don't know.