We add our thoughts to the suggestion of diplomatic observers and strategists that the Philippines must strengthen its maritime and air capabilities to defend its territory.
The other day, one analyst suggested the government must now focus on external threats, given China’s harassing actions towards the Philippines in the latter’s waters.
University professor Renato de Castro told the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that President Marcos administration must come up with “comprehensive strategies” and suggested it may conduct a unilateral exploration of the country’s resources and strengthen the Armed Forces tri-service.
Maritime law expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal himself said the government must take an unconventional approach to defend the archipelagic country’s territory, stressing the major challenge for the Marcos administration is that the Philippine waters and maritime resources “are being taken actively” by China.
Like Batongbacal, we feel President Marcos’ decision to hold off on invoking the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty following the latest skirmishes with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea was a correct judgment.
We feel there is a need to gear up to peaceful and diplomatic solutions as regards issues in the West Philippine Sea.
All this, as Chinese President Xi Jinping called for coordination of his country’s military strategy at sea and to prepare for potential maritime conflicts.
That call underlines the urgency for the Philippines to develop its military capability to protect its exclusive economic zone – not just in the West Philippines Sea, not just the Philippine Rise east of Cagayan Valley but its entire territory.
Which means the Philippines must improve its port facilities and develop the shipbuilding industry because a credible navy has its sails on a strong shipbuilding industry.
Also within the week, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced the AFP has adopted the new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to defend the Philippine territory, including its EEZ.
The defense concept would allow the Philippines to project its military power into areas that must be protected and preserved according to the country’s Constitution.