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Ph opens coast guard post after Ch build-up
By Nidz Godino
“In 2022, area around Itbayat witnessed military build-up as China responded to political developments between Taiwan and United States,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said, announcing opening of station on Philippines’ northernmost inhabited island.
Philippines had opened coast guard post in country’s far north to boost security following China’s “military build-up” near Taiwan over past two years.
Outpost “shall gather essential maritime data and intelligence, enabling Philippine Coast Guard to respond effectively to threats such as illicit trade, trafficking, piracy, and foreign intrusions”, Año said in statement.
“Securing peace, stability, and freedom of navigation along Luzon Strait is crucial for ensuring Philippine national security and economic prosperity,” he added.
Itbayat is located around 150 kilometres (93 miles) south of Taiwan’s south coast.
China and the Philippines are enduring bitter diplomatic dispute over rival claims to parts of South China Sea.
China has built artificial islands and military installations in waters close to Philippines.
China’s efforts to enforce its claims have in recent years including water cannon attacks by China Coast Guard vessels damaged Philippine government boats and injured several crew members.
Itbayat is just outside area designated by vaguely defined map of dashes that China uses to claim most of South China Sea.
Ano made no reference to war games China began on Thursday encircled Taiwan with warplanes and naval vessels.
ISKUP! 