WASHINGTON D.C – The Pentagon had no direct reply to queries about an American plane seen throughout the current resupply mission of the Philippines to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
During a press briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder didn’t straight reply the query, however he talked about the United States’ help for the Philippines relating to the problem of nationwide sovereignty will stay.
“I don’t have anything specific to report in terms of U.S. military assistance. I believe the Philippines can provide details about their operations,” Ryder stated.
The Pentagon Press Secretary, in the meantime, stated that the U.S. is maintaining a watchful eye and are prepared to help if the Philippines needs.
“We have publicly expressed our support for the Philippines and their right to sovereignty, as well as their right to operate within their own waters. Broadly speaking, we will continue to work closely with the Philippines to provide support as they request. And I’ll leave it at that,” defined Ryder.
A US Navy surveillance airplane circled close to Second Thomas Shoal whereas the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia had been harassing the Philippines’ resupply mission.
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Friday stated that the plane seen throughout the resupply mission was a part of a freedom of navigation operations of the US.
“In the role of the United States in those resupplies, they were providing freedom of navigation, they were conducting freedom of navigation operations on their own uncoordinated with us, which they do on a regular basis anyway,” Teodoro stated.
“Well, they (US) might have coordinated it. But that’s below my level of coordination if ever,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon Press Secretary acknowledged that they help the Philippines’ place that Thomas Shoal, which China goals to occupy, is a part of the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
“I think the Philippines has been clear about their view regarding that ship and Second Thomas Shoal. We support the Philippines in defending and protecting their sovereign waters,” stated Ryder.
Ryder additionally clarified that the joint navy workout routines within the South China Sea involving Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are unrelated to the incident at Thomas Shoal.
“Our workout routines had been deliberate effectively prematurely and coordinated. These workout routines are designed to make sure that our international locations can collaborate successfully, be interoperable, study from one another, and strengthen the safety cooperation relationships we now have. This train is considered one of many who we conduct with companions and allies all through the area,” he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
