The chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr., says that it’s not just Ukraine and Iran that are in conflict with a major power. In its own waters, the Philippines has been subjected to nonstop gray-zone harassment by Chinese ships.
“They drive away our fisherfolk, they water-cannon our Coast Guard…because of their claim to the whole South China Sea through their nine-dash line. And that nine-dash line goes well within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines… We are feeling that in the South China Sea as well as in the East China Sea.”
Since China won’t recognize an international ruling respecting the rights of the Philippines, Manila is “strengthening our ties with our treaty ally, the USA, and several partners, like-minded nations like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, India and many other countries.”
General Brawner said the Philippines was considering acquiring more BrahMos cruise missiles from India. “The Philippines is the first country outside India that is now using the BrahMos. And because of our example, other countries are now wanting to buy the BrahMos, like Indonesia…. [Also Vietnam.] We’re very happy because it’s the first missile system that we have that serves as a deterrent for any country that wants to, let’s say, invade The Philippines, control our seas. We have that capability that serves as a deterrent and we’re very happy,” he said, adding that the third batch of the missile system was to be delivered.
General Brawner also spoke of closer ties with India. During his meeting with General Anil Chauhan, the chief of defence staff, he had spoken of India sending warships to the South China Sea so that they could sail with Philippine Navy warships “in the South China Sea during freedom of navigation operations.” The warships arrived four months later. The General also said that New Delhi has “accommodated” his army’s officers and cadets in training institutions in India.
Defense Feeds reports that the BrahMos cruise missile (“Brahmaputra” + “Moskva,” rivers) is the product of a collaboration between India and Russia. “Known for its incredible speed, reaching Mach 2.8 to 3.0, the BrahMos is one of the fastest missiles in the world.”
So Russia is sort of helping India help the Philippines to defend itself from China, which has been helping Russia attack Ukraine.
