Ejercito: PH, allies should band together ‘to put up respectable force’ vs China

Sen. Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA,  Philippines—Another senator is calling for broader defense alliance among nations to counter China’s continued  aggressions in the disputed South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

In a statement on Wednesday, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito underscored the need for the Philippines and its allies  to expand their existing defense cooperation programs “to counter Chinese encroachment” in the disputed waters.

“Japan, Australia, and the United States, as well as countries that have territorial claims in the South China Sea have to band together so that we can put up a respectable force against China’s aggression,” Ejercito  said.

“Because of China’s aggressive and hostile activities in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, it is important for nations to have alliances and coordinate with each other’s armed forces and coast guards to ensure that the freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea area is maintained,” the senator  added.

Ejercito then cited the Philippines’ ongoing military exercises with the United States and the possibility of having a new defense pact with Japan as “crucial steps in achieving regional stability amidst China’s growing military aggression.”

More than 17,000 Filipino and American troops are participating  in the largest-ever military exercises between the Philippines and the US, which opened on Tuesday.

Senators led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, met with Japanese lawmakers and security officials last week  to discuss proposals seeking to establish similar defense agreements between the two countries.

Several  lawmakers have been urging nations to unite  against   China’s aggressive behaviour in order to preserve stability and  uphold peace in the region.

This is not the first time that a call to unite was made against  China’s aggressive behavior.

Though just this Wednesday,  a joint statement  from the  US and the Philippines  revealed their plans “to conduct multilateral maritime activities with other like-minded partners in the South China Sea later this year.”

JPV