Philippine Defense Forces [Archive] - Page 44

spearhead

June 30th, 2011, 03:09 PM

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/20/government-using-spratlys-dispute-secure-p40b-military-162205

Government using Spratlys dispute 'to secure P40B for military'

| More |

Monday, June 20, 2011
More Sections

Local News
Opinion
Business
Sports
Feature
Lifestyle
Entertainment

A PROGRESSIVE party-list lawmaker expressed strong opposition to the additional P40-billion budget to be allocated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for military modernization.

The military is "just using the South China Sea (locally referred to as the West Philippine Sea) dispute as an excuse for AFP fattening and corruption while the country's poor are wanting and in dire need of resources. Our conflict with China and other claimant countries in the Spratlys can be resolved peacefully," Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño said in a statement.

Win US $500 cash in Sun.Star’s music video contest

During the deliberations of the Development Budget Coordination Committee over the weekend, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad disclosed that the Aquino administration will spend P40 billion from 2012 to 2016 (P8 billion annually) to "catch up" with the AFP modernization program.

Related Articles

Philippine-US defense treaty 'legally non-existent'
Hillary Clinton: US to defend the Philippines
3 US vessels to arrive in Puerto Princesa for exercises
US commits to defend Philippines
Aid to flood-stricken China despite Spratlys tension sought

AFP chief of staff Eduardo Oban Jr. on Sunday said "it's the baseline capability that the AFP really needs to improve on" but added that, "the focus is still internal security pertaining to the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan but we can have parallel moves towards that end."

The Coast Watch system being developed by the AFP consists of ground radars for detection and monitoring and involves two naval ships, such as the Hamilton Class Cutter to be deployed in Palawan, and long-range patrol aircraft for the Philippine Air Force.

"So it's not really baseline security they're after. It's just monitoring and watching and without any real upgrade in capability. The P40-billion is totally unnecessary and a waste of scarce resources," Casiño said.

The party-list lawmaker said the Aquino administration could instead use the P40-billion budget for education.

"Congress has already given P5 billion yearly to the AFP Modernization Program from 2005 until the expiration of Republic Act 7898 in 2010. Last April, President Aquino committed P11 billion for 2011. Now they're asking for P8 billion more next year until 2016. Sumusobra naman sila," Casiño remarked while noting that the education sector is lacking in teachers, textbooks, classrooms and chairs.

He said there should first be an accounting of the previous modernization funds spent by the AFP given various reports of anomalies in its use. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)

---
Who doesn't want this to be resolved peacefully, right? The problem is not with us but with China who is using force.

Hindi sila makaprotesta sa US Embassy sa support ng State Department kasi napansin ng mga tao na hindi nila prinoprotesta ang pambubully ng China. Gotta love situations like this, you see people's true color

http://www.anadpartylist.org/20110622/anad-twits-maoist-pseudo-partylists-and-front-sectoral-groups%E2%80%99-retort-on-spratlys-issue.html

Not a fan of Alcover but here's his point.

ANAD twits Maoist pseudo partylists and front sectoral groups’ retort on Spratlys issue
PostDateIcon June 22nd, 2011 | PostCategoryIcon Posted in Press Releases

The ALLIANCE FOR NATIONALISM AND DEMOCRACY (ANAD) Partylist twitted Maoist pseudo partylist and front sectoral groups for using the alleged issue of “China’s illegal forays in the Spratlys group” to bolster their anti-American sloganeering and campaign.

ANAD Rep. Jun Alcover said that House Resolution No. 1420 filed by Bayan Muna’s Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares and the recent statement of Pamalakaya’s Fernando Hicap (6/22/11, www.inquirer.net and 6/21/11,www.gmanews.tv) contains the vicious trappings of Maoist communist deception and pretension.

“Where were they when media reports were abuzz about these illegal Chinese intrusions in the Spratlys? Understandably, their damning silence prompted Secretary Carandang to ask that very timely and relevant question,” he quipped.

“Why are they calling on Congress to investigate? Are they entertaining serious doubts on President Aquino III’s decision and moves? But their actions are too obvious because these are designed to spike any eventual involvement of the US forces that these groups are incorrigibly against since time immemorial. Also, a Congressional Inquiry would just be a pat on the Chinese’ back and tantamount to showboating,” Rep. Alcover retorted.

“As legislatures, Casiño and Colmenares must not forget that the existing Mutual Defense Treaty, between the governments of the Philippines and the United States of America, compels the American government to support any action that the Philippines shall find necessary to protect our country’s territorial sovereignty and integrity. Also, they are duty bound to support the moves of the Philippine government to reach a diplomatic resolution of the issue,” Rep. Alcover explained.

“They (Bayan Muna and Pamalakaya) just wanted Congress to make a statement on the issue with them hiding behind the skirt of the country’s legislature. Why can’t they make a formal statement denouncing the Chinese forces’ illegal intrusions into areas claimed by the country in the West Philippine Sea?” said Rep. Alcover.

The ANAD solon challenged the Maoist communist sectoral front and pseudo partylist groups to issue a strong statement condemning the Chinese government’s aggressive and blatant display of force in the Spratlys. “Instead of doing a zarzuela, they should come out into the open and conduct mass actions in the streets to protest and demand China’s full compliance to international covenants like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other related agreements, particularly on the imposition of a status quo with other claimants of the area,” he explained.

The AFP's modernization is a super OVERDUE process, so no matter what's the circumtances regarding the crisis in west phil sea. So screw the oppositions. :bash:

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 03:12 PM

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/20092/aquino-approves-p1-816t-budget-proposal-for-2012

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino approved Wednesday night his administration’s proposed P1.816 trillion national budget for 2012.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said social services—basic education, public health and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program—will get the lion’s share, or 31 percent, of the proposed budget at P573.5 billion.

Next year’s proposed allocation for social services reflects an increase of 10 percent from the current budget of P521.4 billion.

Abad said the economic services sector will get the second-biggest allocation of 24.3 percent, or P442.1 billion. In particular, he said, infrastructure and other capital outlays, especially those in support of agriculture, tourism, and industrial development, have been given greater emphasis with an increase of 27.2 percent to P243 billion in 2012.

A fiscal deficit of P286 billion, or 2.6 percent of the gross domestic product, is targeted in 2012, Abad said. This is lower than this year’s target of P300 billion, or three percent of GDP.

Spending for national defense will increase by just around two percent, from P104.7 billion in 2011 to P106.9 billion next year.

4B lang naidagdag? :ohno:

spearhead

June 30th, 2011, 03:17 PM

Salamat at bukas na...

okay na sana itong video sa intro kaso sablay sa gitna..parang nagkukuwento sa bata :lol:
wgPcunivDXg

How the hell she became a speaker? She suck so bad! :bash:

spearhead

June 30th, 2011, 03:20 PM

Wonder what happened to this? Hopefully this progresses or its replacement programs reaches production.

http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129768.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129768-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129769.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129769-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129770.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129770-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129771.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129771-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129783.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129783-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129782.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129782-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129781.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129781-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129780.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129780-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129779.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129779-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129778.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129778-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129777.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129777-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129776.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129776-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129775.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129775-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129774.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129774-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129773.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129773-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html) http://preview.shareapic.net/preview7/025129772.jpg (http://www.shareapic.net/View-25129772-Philippine-Army-MX-8-AEV-Prototype.html)

The models went to PNP. The technology needs a lot of improvement though. Nonetheless, this has to be given some priority by the government, supporting their own developments.

leofriends

June 30th, 2011, 03:24 PM

Aquino to visit China amid Spratlys rift (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5107/aquino-to-visit-china-amid-spratlys-rift)

Associated Press
5:52 pm | Thursday, June 30th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III plans to visit China in coming weeks but the friendly gesture doesn’t mean the Philippines is backing down from its assertions Chinese forces intruded in its waters, an official said.

The Philippines alleges Chinese forces intruded at least nine times into Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands since February, allegations that sparked an exchange of diplomatic protests and verbal jabs. Aquino has strongly criticized China, saying two weeks ago that his country would not be bullied by China in the disputed region.

The presidential trip will likely take place in late August or early September, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Thursday.

The Spratlys, a chain of barren, largely uninhabited islands, reefs and banks in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) are claimed wholly by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and partly by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The islands are believed to be atop vast oil and gas deposits.....................................

Top US military officer to visit China (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5068/top-us-military-officer-to-visit-china)

Agence France-Presse
11:00 pm | Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

BEIJING—The top US military officer Admiral Mike Mullen will visit China next month, Beijing said Wednesday, pledging to help improve sometimes rocky relations with Washington.

Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, will visit from July 9 to 13, Xinhua news agency quoted defense ministry spokesman Yang Yajun as saying. Mullen’s counterpart Chen Bingde visited Washington in May.

“China will promote the advancement of relations between the two military forces under the framework of China-US ties,” Xinhua quoted Yang as saying.

Yang further congratulated Leon Panetta, who was confirmed by the US Senate as the new defense secretary to replace Robert Gates, Xinhua said.

sige bumisita lahat kayo don...:D

Sou-jiro

June 30th, 2011, 03:39 PM

Sorry pero Im very irritated when I see the word China ,...lalo na sa behavior nila toward our country lately. Parang minamaliit nila tayo
But what can we do?..we are incapable to defend ourselves for now. Sad it doesn't mean Philippines should just lie down and accept it though.

Communist - not thats its necessarily bad in every commu country.
Hitler
Ignorant
Notorious
A**holes or Arrogant

China = 666

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 03:41 PM

^^ sayang ang tax :lol:

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 03:47 PM

Washington continues to escalate tensions in South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan
30 June 2011

On Monday, the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution “deploring” the use of force by China in the South China Sea and backing “the continuation of operations by the United States Armed Forces in support of freedom of navigation rights in international waters and air space in the South China Sea.”

The resolution, drafted by Senators Jim Webb and James Inhofe, the chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, marks another step in the rapid heightening of tensions over the disputed waters.

On Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hong Lei responded: “The resolution was groundless. It distorted the truth… We oppose intervention from countries outside the region, and condemn any action that would exacerbate the issue.”

Yang Yi, spokesperson of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, reiterated China’s claim of “indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their surrounding waters.”

The escalated rhetoric between China and the US came in the immediate aftermath of meetings in Hawaii over the weekend between US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai. At the end of the talks, Campbell gave a press conference where he repeatedly refused to answer any specific questions on the South China Sea, stating simply that the dialogue was “open, frank, and constructive.” Cui refused to make a statement.

The mainstream US press is marching lockstep with the US government in intensifying the tensions with China. In an editorial on June 30, the Wall Street Journal described the Philippines and Vietnam, which have rival territorial claims in the Sea, as expressing “barely bridled anger” at China. The editorial cited with approval Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s statements last year that the US had a “national interest” in the South China Sea and “was back in Asia to stay.”

The Wall Street Journal opined: “That was a strong stand at the time. But as China continues to ratchet up tension it may be time for something stronger.” What that “something stronger” could be became clear in the next paragraph, which discussed Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario’s recent visit to the United States and Clinton’s declaration at a joint press conference of continuing US support for the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. Del Rosario repeatedly stated last week that in the event of armed hostilities between China and the Philippines, the treaty obliged the US to come to the aid of its ally.

“The real news,” the Wall Street Journal crowed, “is that the Philippines is coming back into the US orbit.” The editorial concluded that Washington should give “less ambiguous indications … that it will be a willing partner.”

In an editorial on June 27, the Washington Post stated that the Beijing’s “menacing language makes clear why the United States needs to exert its influence.” How would this influence be exerted? By military actions through Washington’s proxy, the Philippines. The editorial ended with this sentence: “If Mr. del Rosario’s government wishes to shift its long-standing defense cooperation with the United States from counterterrorism to the patrol and defense of its territorial waters, the Pentagon should be ready to cooperate.”

On June 28, the Lowy Institute, a leading Australian think tank, issued a report entitled “Crisis and Confidence: Major Powers and Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific Asia.” The report, which received wide press coverage, warned of the rising danger of war emerging out of the conflicts over the South China Sea.

“The sea lanes are becoming more crowded, contested and vulnerable to armed strife,” the report stated. “Naval and air forces are being strengthened amid shifting balances of economic strategic weight. As the number and tempo of incidents increases, so does the likelihood that an episode will escalate to armed confrontation, diplomatic crisis or possibly even conflict.”

A similar likelihood for conflict exists between Japan and China in the East China Sea, the report argued, warning that the “possibility of confrontation leading to conflict between Japan and China in the East China Sea is a distinct possibility … In the past 12 months, an understanding appears to have developed between Washington and Tokyo that, under the US–Japan security treaty, the United States would come to Japan’s assistance in the event of such a conflict. Were Washington to do so, it would be in direct conflict with China, with the risk of a wide and protracted war between the two powers.”

Both China and the US are stepping up their activities in the South China Sea. China is preparing to launch its first aircraft carrier in the area. During the first week of July, China is scheduled to begin a massive deep sea oil drill, with the exact location not yet declared.

The United States is currently conducting military training exercises with the Philippines in the South China Sea. The US military has just concluded joint exercises involving most countries of littoral Southeast Asia. When its exercises with the Philippines end on July 4, the US military ships will go to Vietnam to conduct training exercises there. The exercises escalate the possibility of open conflict, as well as providing a justification for the continued stationing of US destroyers and patrol boats in this potential global flashpoint.

The Philippines is playing a leading role as Washington’s proxy and wedge in the region. Washington is currying favor with the President Benigno Aquino’s administration through every possible diplomatic and political avenue. In the past week, legislation was introduced in the US Senate at the request of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary del Rosario to allow garments produced in the Philippines with US-made textiles to enter the US duty free. Another piece of legislation was introduced to grant benefits to Philippine veterans of the Second World War. At Aquino’s request, the United States extradited to the Philippines a man charged with murder in a case in which one of Aquino’s leading political opponents is implicated.

In a thoroughly cynical move, US Secretary of State Clinton announced that the Philippines had been removed from the State Department’s Human Trafficking watch list, based on what she described as a “sea change” in policy under Aquino. The removal of the Philippines from the list enables the Aquino administration to receive $434 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, funding which was otherwise jeopardized.

On June 30, Aquino’s government announced it was opening up 15 new quadrants to bid out to oil corporations for drilling. Many are in the contested waters. This is in addition to the ongoing bidding for quadrants that Aquino opened two months ago.

Following a meeting between US Defense Secretary Robert Gates and del Rosario at the end of last week, it was announced that the Philippines would lease new military equipment from the US and that Washington would fund Philippine intelligence operations in the South China Sea. The exact amount of funding and the type of equipment to be leased is not yet clear, but the provocative and confrontational role of the United States is making armed conflict an increasing likelihood.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/jun2011/scse-j30.shtml

a rather leftist article, but interesting though

kenken94

June 30th, 2011, 04:21 PM

^^60 days or 90 days, that UP "law expert" is still feeding false information. I suspect, in attempt to create anti-American feeling rather than encouraging our government and the people to strengthen the military

Just read my advance study for tomorrow's class discussion. According to Article 18 (not sure?) of the Constitution, the President can call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and deploy them for a term not exceeding 60 days. The Congress is to convene 24 hours thereafter even without a call for session and decide whether to extend or terminate the order.

Pareho lang ba to sa U.S Constitution? :)

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 04:30 PM

^^ Similar.

After all, the Phil. Constitution was "patterned" after the US Constitution and the Spanish civil law

You might find this helpful: http://www.justice.gov/olc/warpowers925.htm

Kintoy

June 30th, 2011, 05:42 PM

PH correctly stands its (maritime) ground
By: Jay L. Batongbacal (http://opinion.inquirer.net/7071/ph-correctly-stands-its-maritime-ground)

With regard to the current spat over the Western Philippine Sea, many local writers seem to believe that the Philippines has no choice but to seek protection from the United States as an ally against Chinese maritime encroachment. Unfortunately, this obscures the legal high ground that the Philippines currently holds in Recto Bank (Reed Bank in international charts).
Recto Bank is a completely submerged area of the seabed between the Kalayaan Islands and Palawan, well inside the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf to which the Philippines is entitled under the globally accepted 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines therefore has sole rights to all living and non-living resources in that adjacent zone, including the right to explore and exploit any petroleum resources in the area.

Against these legal rights, China posits its claim to sovereignty and jurisdiction over the entire South China Sea, enclosed within the so-called “nine-dashed lines” map, based on ancient Chinese voyages and maps made 2000 years ago.

But claims to sovereignty and jurisdiction merely on the basis of ancient explorations have no credence in modern times. They are inconsistent with the historical record demonstrating that such voyages were never for conquest or territorial acquisition. Instead, they were for trade with the diverse pre-colonial peoples who inhabited the lands around the South China Sea, some of whom later became the first Filipinos.

About a century before Magellan’s arrival, China stopped all its maritime activities and abandoned all its foreign interests. The Chinese lived in Southeast Asia’s coastal communities as traders, not administrators. Local sultans and datus controlled the waters, some even demanding tributes for passage. So if anyone actually controlled any portion of the South China Seas in the past, they were more likely our Southeast Asian ancestors, not the Chinese.

None in the international community presently accept China’s broad claim to the South China Seas, which is contrary to customary international law that says the high seas cannot be subject to state sovereignty. The proof lies in the practice of our Southeast Asian neighbors regarding continental shelf boundaries. Indonesia, with Malaysia back in the 1960s and Vietnam in 2003, defined such boundaries.

Malaysia and Brunei recently signed an agreement to jointly explore for petroleum in a shared area west of Brunei and Sabah. Malaysia and Vietnam in 2009 claimed extended continental shelves before the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. All these activities disregard the nine-dashed lines.

Not even the 2006 Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking can validate China’s claim, since it clearly stated that it did not affect the parties’ positions on the South China Seas issues. Attempts to use it for China’s purposes would be seen as bad faith or subterfuge. If anything, the JMSU shows that China could not conduct or undertake unilateral actions in waters adjacent to the Philippines.

The Chinese claim to Recto Bank is also said to be based on maritime zones extending from the Spratlys, which China officially says are under its “indisputable sovereignty.” But China never actually administered these islands. They were passing hands as late as the 1940s, and Taiwan garrisoned only a single island in the 1950s. The Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia played a game of occupation up to 1970s, before China joined the fray some 10 years later. By then, with no islands to occupy, China resorted to building on submerged rocks and reefs that were part of the seabed and could not be the legal basis of maritime claims.

Hypothetically, if the Spratlys were under Chinese sovereignty, the islands are unlikely to serve as basis for rights over Recto Bank. Were the entire South China Seas to be divided by an impartial international tribunal, those islands will probably not influence the EEZ and continental shelves boundaries in order to achieve a fair and equitable result.

The legal battle is the one battle that can be won, with or without the US. It is clearly China that is infringing on Philippine maritime rights through the former’s claims to and reported activities in Recto Bank, and its unlawful demands for a halt to all offshore exploration in the Western Philippine Sea.
As a matter of principle, the Philippines should neither be bluffed nor coerced into submission to China’s claims and activities in Recto Bank. It stands to lose not only Recto Bank, but the entire western seaboard from Batanes to Balabac: the nine-dashed lines deprive the Philippines of the EEZ and continental shelf there. It will eventually lead to the ouster of Southeast Asian states from their common maritime heritage and resource base.

Given the previous experiences of the Philippines with China’s activities in the South China Seas (Mischief Reef being the most telling example), the Aquino administration is correct in staking its position on legal and moral principles. It is the only stand that is truly worth making.

Jay L. Batongbacal is a professor at the UP College of Law. He holds a master’s degree in Marine Management, specializing in international marine environmental law, including the Law of the Sea, and a doctorate in the Science of Law, both from Dalhousie University in Canada.

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 05:53 PM

^^If we follow their logic of "ancient maps", we can say that Austronesian peoples (aka Southeast Asians) own Southern China and the Han Chinese should "go back North". Or that Mongolia owns most of the Eurasian continent.

Chinese Military ambitions:

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2010/09/Chinas-Indian-Provocations-Part-of-Broader-Trendhttp://www.smh.com.au/world/lets-fly-the-red-flag-again-says-general-20110522-1eyzg.html

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 05:57 PM

I'm not a fan of Wiki but they have a couple of list of Chinese defectors

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_defectors

kenken94

June 30th, 2011, 06:00 PM

^^ They'll just end up eating their own words for that matter.

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 06:01 PM

Chinese defector tells all:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/19/exclusive-chinese-spy-who-defected-tells-all/?page=1

http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2005/s1408570.htm

http://www.ndu.edu/press/lib/pdf/StrForum/SF-261.pdf

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 06:22 PM

Is McCain running for President (again?). I heard Donald Trump though, but I do not think he is interested in that "alliance affairs"

REMARKS BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN AT THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES CONFERENCE ON MARITIME SECURITY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

June 20, 2011

“Thank you, John [Hamre], for that generous introduction, and for your friendship over many years. It is always great to return to CSIS, which does so much to inform America’s thinking about the world and our leadership in it.
...

“From Burma I went to Singapore for the Shangri La Dialogue, where one of the main topics of discussion was the subject of this conference: maritime security in the South China Sea. This issue inspires intense emotions among the states with competing claims to these waters and territories. And the circle of experts who truly understand the historical and legal intricacies of these claims is rather small. I am from Arizona, where we know how complex it can be to fight over water and land use. I am also an old Navy man who has spent much of my life traveling and working on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. And I am increasingly concerned that the South China Sea is becoming a flashpoint of conflict.

“The past few years have seen a rapid escalation of tensions between states in this volatile and disputed maritime region. I need not review all of these incidents for this audience. Of course, it is important for all parties to practice restraint. And to be sure, our ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) partners will need to make compromises, especially among one another, to reach a peaceful and mutually beneficial outcome, as many of them would acknowledge. That said, this situation requires a little straight talk: One of the main forces exacerbating tensions in the South China Sea, and making a peaceful resolution of these disputes harder to achieve, is the aggressive behavior of China and the unsubstantiated territorial claims that it seeks to advance.

“I take no pleasure in saying this. I believe one of the foremost U.S. national interests is the maintenance and enhancement of productive relations with China. I want China to succeed and to develop peacefully. And I believe there is no force of history that condemns our countries to conflict. Indeed, the scope of our global cooperation is broader than ever before, including on issues of maritime security, which is plain for all to see in our common operations off the Horn of Africa.

“What troubles me, and I imagine many of you, are the expansive claims that China makes in the South China Sea; the rationale offered for these claims, which has no basis in international law; and the increasingly assertive actions that China is taking to enforce its self-described rights, including in waters within 200 miles off the coast of ASEAN countries, as was the case recently in separate incidents involving Vietnam and the Philippines. China’s so-called ‘nine-dotted lines’ map claims all of the islands in the South China Sea as sovereign Chinese territory and all of their territorial waters as China’s exclusive economic zone. Furthermore, certain Chinese interpretations of international law would erode the long-standing principle of freedom of navigation – twisting it from a concept of inclusion that fosters open access, to a concept of exclusion that would restrict access. Some in China are even referring to this doctrine as, quote, ‘legal warfare.’”

“Why should this matter to the United States? This is a question that many Americans will ask, especially when we are committed to three conflicts already, and when our national debt has literally become unsustainable. Why should America care about the maritime disputes of foreign nations half a world away?

“There are certainly economic reasons for remaining engaged. The South China Sea region is an important source of jobs and natural resources that benefit many Americans. However, perhaps the larger consideration is the strategic one. The world’s geopolitical center of gravity is shifting to the Asia-Pacific region – a region in which many states are rising at once in wealth and power. This creates friction between them where old disputes remain unresolved. The United States has a national security interest in maintaining a favorable strategic balance in this vital region. And central to that is defending the universal freedom of navigation and open access to the seas as a foundational principle of the international order.

“Efforts to deny freedom of navigation in the South China Sea pose a serious challenge to the rules-based international order that the United States and our allies have sustained over many decades. If these efforts were to succeed – if persistent bullying enabled one state to impose its territorial claims by force and to turn the South China Sea into a virtual no-go zone for the commercial and military vessels of other nations, including the United States – the effects would be dire. It could set a dangerous precedent for weakening international law in ways that ill-intentioned actors would no doubt apply elsewhere. It could create a troubling incentive for rising powers everywhere to take by force what peaceful, legal means cannot secure for them. And it would bring us closer to a day when the U.S. Navy judges that it can no longer safely access and operate in the western Pacific.

“What, then, should the U.S. do? Let me offer a few suggestions in closing.

“First, regarding the U.S. position on the South China Sea, we should recognize that, where possible, a policy of clarity may be more stabilizing than a policy of ambiguity. I applaud Secretary Clinton for stating that rival claims in the South China Sea should be resolved through multilateral negotiations, and that we will seek to facilitate those negotiations. Most Asian states welcomed that statement. Ultimately, this is about China’s relations with its neighbors, not China and the United States. Nonetheless, it is helpful for us to continue clarifying the U.S. position, so other countries know where possible which claims the United States accepts, which ones we do not, and what actions we are prepared to take to support our policies and partners, especially the Philippines, which is a treaty ally.

“Second, the United States should assist our ASEAN partners in resolving their own disputes in the South China Sea as a means of fostering greater ASEAN unity vis-à-vis China. China seeks to exploit the divisions among ASEAN members – to play them off each other to press its own agenda. Resolving the competing maritime claims among ASEAN states, as Malaysia and Brunei have recently done, would enable our partners to establish a more united front.

“Third, the United States needs to help our ASEAN partners to build up their maritime defense and detection capabilities – to develop and deploy basic systems such as early warning radar and coastal security vessels. Remedying this lack of capacity, and enhancing our joint exercises, would provide for a more common operational picture in the South China Sea and a better ability to respond to threats.

“Fourth, the U.S. Senate needs to take a hard look at the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. I know this is unpopular among some conservatives. I have had doubts about it myself. But the fact is, successive administrations of both parties have adhered to the Convention’s basic strictures, and done so without a seat at the table. Meanwhile, states like China are working within the Convention to advance fringe views that aim to deny access to international waters. This leaves the United States to rely on the good graces of foreign powers and its own superior force to ensure U.S. rights of navigation. But these conditions cannot be taken for granted, which is why the U.S. Navy strongly supports the Convention and the added legal guarantees it offers to our naval operations. Thus, for national security reasons, the Senate needs to decide whether it is finally time to ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty.

“Fifth, we need to shift U.S. regional force posture to put greater emphasis on emerging areas of competition, especially the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. I have joined with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, Senators Carl Levin and Jim Webb, in calling for a timeout to reevaluate our basing plans in Japan and Guam. And I have done so not to withdraw America from Asia, but to enhance our commitment to regional security. It is not Congress’s place to devise regional basing arrangements, but as new realities and cost overruns call our current plans into question, Congress must ask the hard questions. Our goal should be to move toward a more geographically dispersed force posture in the Asia-Pacific region, as Secretary Gates has described, and a centerpiece of that effort will always be our basing commitments with our historic allies, Japan and Korea.

“Finally, the United States must continue to make the necessary investments in our defense capabilities, especially naval forces, in order to remain the world’s leading military power. We are now facing enormous domestic pressures to cut spending, including defense spending, and some reductions are certainly necessary. Reasonable people can disagree about how deep those cuts should be. But when the President pledged recently to cut $400 billion in defense spending over 12 years – with no strategic rationale for why this figure was chosen or what risks it would entail, and with the Secretary of Defense only being told about it the day beforehand – I think reasonable people could also agree that this is no way to plan for our national defense. We must be guided by strategy, not arbitrary arithmetic.

“The events now unfolding in the South China Sea will play a decisive role in shaping the development of the Asia-Pacific region in this century. And the United States must remain actively engaged in that process. In this regard, I am troubled by recent statements made by some of my colleagues in Congress and some of the Republican presidential candidates, suggesting a desire to withdraw from the world and reduce our commitments abroad. America has made that mistake before, and we should learn from this history, not repeat it. After all, history shows us that Americans themselves are the greatest beneficiaries of the rules-based international order that is upheld by U.S. power and leadership. We abdicate that role at the world’s peril, and our own.

“If those of you visiting from the Asia-Pacific region only take one message home with you, let it be this: There has always been an isolationist trend in the United States, but Americans have rejected it before, and I believe they will reject it again now. There will always be a solid base of support in America for a strong internationalist foreign policy. That isn’t going anywhere, and neither is America. We will not withdraw or be pushed out of the Asia-Pacific region. We will stay engaged there, committed to our friends and allies, and together we will succeed.”

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.Speeches&ContentRecord_id=af2b3a40-cd28-aa40-64e3-8102b2bb3601&Region_id=&Issue_id=

mao rong

June 30th, 2011, 06:27 PM

McCain for Pres!...:D

kenken94

June 30th, 2011, 06:28 PM

^^ McCain's got my support right now. Republicans are much better at handling these issues than most Democrats.

But as I know, political party's interest ends when national interests begins.

mao rong

June 30th, 2011, 06:33 PM

^^which we lack

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 06:39 PM

The question is, is he running?

Edit: Looks like not?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_%28United_States%29_presidential_primaries,_2012

And I am afraid that the Repubs don't seem to have a good one on their list. McCain should have run

I hope the DREAM Act won't be passed before the elections. Very "vote securing strategy" given the 12 MILLION illegals

IDK, but me thinks the US needs a former military as their president. I don't like Obama but at the same time, the Repubs don't have a good candidate. The US is doomed :(

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 07:13 PM

Someone who believes that the US should be tougher on China

http://2012.presidential-candidates.org/Santorum/Issues.php

Though he might end up doing a Vietnam fail on China :lol:

Askal82

June 30th, 2011, 07:38 PM

I rooted for Mccain last election. It now shows who should have been the prez.

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 07:41 PM

I rooted for Mccain last election. It now shows who should have been the prez.

I agree. Obummer is just all talk. Having been elected already, he thinks it's still campaign period. Now campaigning again.

parang masmarami pang nagawa si Noynoy kesa sa kanya :lol:

TheAvenger

June 30th, 2011, 08:22 PM

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/1luzontopalawan.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/2kigtopalawan.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/3kalayaangroupwithflags.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/4JMSU.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/5chineseandmalaysianclaim.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/KalayaanislandstoPalawan.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/KIG.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/oilgasfields-westphilsea.jpg

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/rectobanktopalawan-683x1024.jpg

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 08:33 PM

Funny thread at Timawa :lol:

http://www.timawa.net/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=b0316701b1ba5cc8ad4848081a523ffd&topic=28083.75

waraywaray architect

June 30th, 2011, 08:36 PM

It seems like McCain will not be running again. He's too old and a lot of americans doesn't like him for some reason. Of all the Republican potential candidates, there is one person I think will beat Obumer, governor Rick Perry of Texas. Of all the states here in the US, Texas wasn't affected much by the recession, and in fact the number one in economic performance in the US. Although he hasn't declared his candidacy os of yet, he already ranks number 2 in the surveys, just one point behind Romney. He is also an Air Force pilot, unlike Obumer who has ZERO military training at all. I will vote for Perry if he runs for President of the US!

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 08:42 PM

waraywaray architect

June 30th, 2011, 09:06 PM

^^ I hope he does.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Perry#2010_Texas_gubernatorial_election

We need someone who is firm on China (and illegals) and who can get the economy going and who wouldn't encourage China to buy loan more money, not a sissy that is full of rhetoric but no action.

I can tell you from my own experience here. A lot of americans are angry at Obama the way he handles the economy, and his lack of leadership when it comes to America's security interests abroad. There is a growing call to reign in on debt, which Obama made worst with his socialist style stimulus plan which was a trillion dollar debt he made with China. Obama also is an arrogant socialist that doesn't know how to lead, only good at reading his teleprompter.

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 09:34 PM

^^ when i took public transportation once, there was this black man who didnt like obama and called him an educated idiot. I guess the most interesting thing he said is that obama does not treat white people right. He did not elaborate but it is interesting. You dont here statements like that but rather the opposite.

Obamas spending plan is also disastrous for the us. He wants to spend more therefore feeding the chinese greed and giving them more reason to "hoard" dollars. Another is hid dream act endorsement. Dems argue that it will bring in more money, but to think of it, it will put more people on welflare and on gi bil.

Pinakalugi dyan eh yung legal immigrants na nagbayad ng kadaming fees and waited for decades to come to the us. Tapos yung illegals in a stoke lang? Thats like using a stick to those who came here legally and carrots to those who came illegally. Not to mention that the state department love denying citizenship to out of wedlock children of us servicemen born abroad to non-us mother. How anti american

That black guy i was talking about, he said obama doesnt love america

bitoy

June 30th, 2011, 09:35 PM

Salamat at bukas na...

okay na sana itong video sa intro kaso sablay sa gitna..parang nagkukuwento sa bata :lol:
wgPcunivDXg

How the hell she became a speaker? She suck so bad! :bash:

Siya yung bilyonarya na Pinay at abogada sa NYC diba?

Nabartek

June 30th, 2011, 09:40 PM

I believe so. Black asawa nya

waraywaray architect

June 30th, 2011, 11:55 PM

Absolutely right. In fact, a lot of blacks doesn't like him, only liberal-minded, gay-lesbian immorals worship the guy, as well as CNN, NBC, MSNBC, and lots of left-wing lunatics and immoral people. To them he's a "savior". These people doesn't have arguments to make at all they just want handouts and free money from the US government.

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 01:56 AM

Back to topic, anyway...nacarried away lang. Hearing nanaman s lintek na Nightmare act na yan...

---

the pa-macho kuno pero scardy cat China, binalingan ang Vietnam dahil sa pagpush sa multilateral talks at internationalization ng WPS dispute

China military tells Vietnam to cool tempers over sea dispute
06/30/2011 | 12:07 PM

BEIJING - A senior Chinese military officer urged Vietnam to cool public ire and avoid escalating tension between the two communist neighbors, an official Chinese newspaper reported on Thursday, following weeks of friction over the South China Sea (also called Wes Philippine Sea).

The comments, part warning and part bridge-building, came from Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the People's Liberation Army General Staff, in a meeting with officers from Vietnam's National Defence University, the Liberation Army Daily reported.

Ma did not directly raise a recent South China Sea flare-up in his published remarks, but that was clearly his focus.

Ma said he "hoped that the Vietnamese side will appropriately handle sensitive issues and correctly guide public opinion and popular sentiment," the Chinese paper reported.

"Stop allowing developments to escalate and fester, and avoid complicating problems so they expand and become multilateral and internationalized," the paper paraphrased Ma as telling the Vietnamese visitors.

Relations between China and Vietnam have been strained over the past month because of a flare-up in a long-standing dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea, where they and other governments stake rival claims over small islands.

Vietnam allowed demonstrations over the dispute outside China's embassy in Hanoi, in a rare officially sanctioned venting of public ire against China, which is both a powerful neighbour and long-time rival. They briefly went to war in 1979.

China and Vietnam have traded accusations over what each calls intrusions into its waters in a sea spanned by major shipping lanes and thought to hold deposits of oil and gas.

Such accusations are not uncommon between China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan, which are also involved in long-standing maritime disputes.

The latest tension flared last month when Hanoi said Chinese boats had harassed a Vietnamese oil exploration ship. Beijing said Vietnamese oil and gas exploration undermined its rights in the South China Sea.

The two sides each conducted naval exercises in a show of force but analysts say neither has an interest in pushing the dispute to the point where military conflict is a serious risk. In past days, they have been seeking to cool the tension.

On Sunday, China and Vietnam pledged to solve the dispute through peaceful negotiations. But China remains wary of the United States becoming more deeply involved in the dispute.

Tension between Beijing and Washington over the South China Sea escalated last year when the Obama administration stressed its support for a collective regional solution to the mosaic of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

China favors dealing with each dispute separately with countries making territorial claims and denounced what it calls "internationalizing" the issue. — Reuters

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/224858/world/china-military-tells-vietnam-to-cool-tempers-over-sea-dispute

Sou-jiro

July 1st, 2011, 02:46 AM

I hope Pnoy comes to visit Australia to boost relation between two countries specially Defense and Econimically. And that He will extend an invitation for the Aust. Prime Minister to Visit Philippines.

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 04:14 AM

Mga walang hiya!

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/06/16/11/122-vietnamese-poachers-posed-pinoys

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 04:18 AM

Oil makes the world go round....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/06/15/11/joint-exploration-end-spratlys-dispute

But NO! Inside our EEZ. Buti sana kung papayagan din tayo sa EEZ nila

LuckyLady

July 1st, 2011, 04:28 AM

Mga walang hiya!

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/06/16/11/122-vietnamese-poachers-posed-pinoys

we should change our laws regarding the crimes committed here. Dapat death penalty or canning ang sino mang mahuli dito. kasi pag hinuli pa sila at ilagay sa kulungan that would be an added expense sa atin kaya di pede. This already concerns our safety and sovereignty dapat higpitan na ngayon! ang dalawang komunista na banta na to parang pareho talaga ang style ah, deception!

LuckyLady

July 1st, 2011, 04:30 AM

Oil makes the world go round....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/06/15/11/joint-exploration-end-spratlys-dispute

But NO! Inside our EEZ. Buti sana kung papayagan din tayo sa EEZ nila

yes joint exploration BUT NOT WITH THE CLAIMANTS PARTIES especially the communists!

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 06:21 AM

Japan identifies China as bigger military threat than Russia

Cabinet-approved guidelines in Tokyo call for new defence strategy focused on China and North Korea

Associated Press
guardian.co.uk, Friday 17 December 2010 16.57 GMT
Article history

Japanese soldiers
Japanese soldiers at a military display in Tokyo. Photograph: Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty Images

Japan should refocus its defence strategy on the rise of China and not on the cold war threat of Russia, according to new guidelines announced today.

The guidelines, which were approved by the cabinet, also call for a stronger alliance with the US – Japan's biggest ally – and expanded security networks with partners such as South Korea and Australia.

Japan will acquire new submarines and fighter jets, upgrade its missile defence capabilities and make its ground forces more mobile so that they can quickly respond to emergencies in south-west Japan.

While Japan has forces for self-defence, its pacifist constitution, drafted by the US after Japan's defeat in the second world war, bar it from sending troops into combat overseas.

The guidelines paint China as a bigger threat than Russia and say Japan is shifting its defence emphasis from the northern island of Hokkaido to islands in the south, such as Okinawa, and territories claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing that have recently led to diplomatic tensions.

The defence minister, Toshimi Kitazawa, said the plan would help Japan adapt to a "new, complex security environment". China immediately described the guidelines as "irresponsible".

The Japan-US alliance remains "indispensable" to Japan's security, the statement said, calling for stronger co-operation between the Japanese and the 47,000 US armed forces based in the country.

But it also noted a relative decline of America's strength and rise of emerging countries such as China and India. Japan should pursue its own efforts to enhance missile defence capabilities to protect itself from threats from China and North Korea, it said.

"We still have lots of tanks and ground self-defence forces on Hokkaido and we need to shift to the south-western islands," a senior government official said on condition of anonymity before the official release of the guidelines. The official said the goal was to "modernise our defence posture from our cold war days".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/17/japan-china-military-threat-russia

LAPDRN

July 1st, 2011, 07:07 AM

:ohno:How the hell she became a speaker? She suck so bad! :bash:

:ohno::nuts::nuts::nuts::cheers::cheers::cheers::bash::lol::lol:Wala po tayong nagagawa kasi armas natin ay sling shot lang. Computer age na ngayon kya si Goliath ang mananalo.

mao rong

July 1st, 2011, 08:20 AM

http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv103/emmanuel_esber/KalayaanislandstoPalawan.jpg

^^kunti lang pala ang sa PH

gaLj

July 1st, 2011, 08:35 AM

^^
Yup !

That's because we only claim what's within our EEZ.

leofriends

July 1st, 2011, 08:37 AM

Oil makes the world go round....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/06/15/11/joint-exploration-end-spratlys-dispute

But NO! Inside our EEZ. Buti sana kung papayagan din tayo sa EEZ nila

wag!! kahit papasukin pa tayo dun wala naman tayo kagamitan??? matatagtag lang ung mga resources natin dito...:ohno:

mao rong

July 1st, 2011, 08:39 AM

^^
Yup !

That's because we only claim what's within our EEZ.

^^then there should be more...

Bahay_Kubo

July 1st, 2011, 12:37 PM

Philippine Air Force to buy 6 fighter jets
By Kate Evangelista
INQUIRER.net (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5162/philippine-air-force-to-buy-6-fighter-jets)
3:28 pm | Friday, July 1st, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—The defense department is eyeing to purchase six fighter planes for the Philippine Air Force, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday.

In a press conference held during the 64th anniversary of the PAF, Gazmin said the procurement is part of the Department of National Defense’s medium term capability upgrade plan.

The fighter jets have the capability to conduct maritime patrol, said Air Force spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ernesto Okol.

The announcement came as the Philippines and China exchange diplomati protests and verbal jabs over disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The Philippines accuses Chinese forces of at least nine incursions in the Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands since February.

Okol said a baseline fighter jet costs between $23 to $40 million.

Seven units of F-5 were the last fighter jets the Air Force had and they were decommissioned in 2005 after being in service for 40 years.

leofriends

July 1st, 2011, 01:47 PM

spearhead

July 1st, 2011, 02:29 PM

^^Well they need to use Operational-Lease as well in acquiring new/used MRF's to get more than that. Right now, they were only planning to use that lease agreement in procuring cyclone-class small patrol crafts (yikes! cyclones again? WTF!).

This is full of bullcrap. Haaay buhaay pinoy talaga.... :bash:

What the!?! After all our high hopes, and this is what am i reading:

PHL military eyes SEATO-like deal to lease US patrol boats
TESSA JAMANDRE, VERA Files
06/30/2011 | 03:28 PM

"...The Philippine Navy is looking at cyclone class vessels, of which the U.S. has a number. These have been mothballed but have proved useful in the Philippine setting and maritime environment.

The government’s lone cyclone class vessel is PS-38 or BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez, also known as “BRP GMA," said to be the favorite of former President Gloria Arroyo. It is relatively new and the country’s only high-tech patrol craft.

The U.S., however, does not lease its patrol craft, U.S. Navy Task Force Commander Rear Admiral Tom Carney told a reporter who asked about the leasing arrangement after the Puerto Princesa press conference..."

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/224876/nation/phl-military-eyes-seato-like-deal-to-lease-us-patrol-boats

Haha. After all this dreams, they are just looking for smaller patrol crafts.... Just go for Perry class frigates w/ ASW and all that missile capabilities with it even if they are more expensive.

Wow, if only other asean countries are that willing to clash with china then a possible SEATO alliance maybe revived. Anyway this SEATO-like operational leasing arrangement is the only way to procure military hardwares fast.

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 03:18 PM

sus ayan na naman ung salitang eyeing matagal ko ng naririrnig yan!! dapat --> The defense department eyed to purchase six fighter planes!!! yan dapat!!

There's one interesting statement that I've read in another news saying that these 6 jets are going to be delivered before Pnoy's term ends. Lord have mercy! Why on earth are they going to wait that long I don't understand. What kind of mindset do our officials in the government and military have? And they are acquiring expensive aircraft (more advanced I guess) but could only afford a few. Again, doing the math. At $40 mil x6 is 240 millions. If they buy F16 at 15M they can get as many as 16. If they get KFIR at $5M they can get 48. BUT they chose 6! For what? Whoever is making all the plans is just plain ambitious and doesn't think using common sense.

Sou-jiro

July 1st, 2011, 03:28 PM

Parchie

July 1st, 2011, 03:30 PM

Sleepwalker

July 1st, 2011, 03:34 PM

Wind Shear

July 1st, 2011, 03:41 PM

Sou-jiro

July 1st, 2011, 03:46 PM

apart from age......maintenance cost was one of the main reason PAF retired those F-5s....I hope they have the funds to properly maintain these fighter that's if they really are going to get them....continued maintenance and training can cost more than the actually aircrafts in long term...............hay mga buwaya....

makatiprime

July 1st, 2011, 03:49 PM

humingi nalang sa us, like israel, nung kainitan ng gyera $ 1 take note $ 1 ang isang tangke,planes,missiles and guns....it was the cheapest u.s. selling of armaments in the entire history, israel pays only $1 million to take all the necessary military equipments to crushed down the whole arab world but it stops after its 6th day.

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 04:34 PM

The article says only the baseline price, training, and transportation isn't included.

I am not a military historian nor a graduate of military science, but I like to watch military history and strategies. One of the strategies of WWII which may be applicable in dogfights is the Sherman tank versus the Tiger. Although inferior in design, but 3 Shermans versus 1 Tiger in the battlefield has the advantage. The tiger is able to fire at 1 or 2 Shermans, but as it aims, the other Sherman gets closer and attacks the Tiger. This may sound odd, but with 6 fighter jets and if all of them gets shot down, what is there left to counterstrike? Again, this is just my humble opinion.

NaglatagawK0

July 1st, 2011, 05:38 PM

There's one interesting statement that I've read in another news saying that these 6 jets are going to be delivered before Pnoy's term ends. Lord have mercy! Why on earth are they going to wait that long I don't understand. What kind of mindset do our officials in the government and military have? And they are acquiring expensive aircraft (more advanced I guess) but could only afford a few. Again, doing the math. At $40 mil x6 is 240 millions. If they buy F16 at 15M they can get as many as 16. If they get KFIR at $5M they can get 48. BUT they chose 6! For what? Whoever is making all the plans is just plain ambitious and doesn't think using common sense.

Sir i don't think you can buy a new jet fighter just like picking oranges in the farm. Hindi po ganya ang kalakaran sa pag bili ng mga armas pang militar. It takes time to purchase one meron po tayong process na dapat sundin tsaka kung bago yan it would take months or even years to deliver the goods not unless you are going to buy 2nd hand equipments. This is just my humble opinion some things i have learn reading from experts on another well known site.

I am not a military historian nor a graduate of military science, but I like to watch military history and strategies. One of the strategies of WWII which may be applicable in dogfights is the Sherman tank versus the Tiger. Although inferior in design, but 3 Shermans versus 1 Tiger in the battlefield has the advantage. The tiger is able to fire at 1 or 2 Shermans, but as it aims, the other Sherman gets closer and attacks the Tiger. This may sound odd, but with 6 fighter jets and if all of them gets shot down, what is there left to counterstrike? Again, this is just my humble opinion.

This jet fighters are intended to defend our skies and i think 6 fighters is better than none but im not saying hanggang 6 fighter jets nalang tayo but its a good start for PAF. Lets focus on how we can defend our territory first and we can't just do it by having those fighter jets but we also need radars, navy ships, SAMS and all other equipment needed to defend what is ours. Our national budget is not only intended for buying military hardware and we have very limited resources.

Parchie

July 1st, 2011, 05:38 PM

I am not a military historian nor a graduate of military science, but I like to watch military history and strategies. One of the strategies of WWII which may be applicable in dogfights is the Sherman tank versus the Tiger. Although inferior in design, but 3 Shermans versus 1 Tiger in the battlefield has the advantage. The tiger is able to fire at 1 or 2 Shermans, but as it aims, the other Sherman gets closer and attacks the Tiger. This may sound odd, but with 6 fighter jets and if all of them gets shot down, what is there left to counterstrike? Again, this is just my humble opinion.

Different cases offer different advantages as well as disadvantages, that is the point.

AFAIK, a historian once compared old battles which one happened in Manila and the other in Cebu:

Rajah Soliman has far more warriors that the Spanish under Martin de Goite (15,000 estimated versus 90 Spanish with long guns+20 Spanish sailors 450 Visayans; a ratio of 26 is to 1). Yet Manila was lost and burned to the ground; Goite lost only 1 warrior who drowned before the battle started!

On the other hand, Lapu-lapu won (1,500 versus 49 of Fernando Magallanes's force; the ratio is 30 is to 1).

That historian (I should ask for forgiveness because I cannot remember the name) suggested that Magellan lost because he has "armed sailors/map makers" while Martin de Goite won because he has "sailors who were warriors!" Simply said, in wars, warriors have some advantage over those who are forced to go to war!

Fast-forward to the present! Even if we will have 100 fighter jets but we don't have good fighter pilots, we could be Manila in the 16th century! Or, we could have just a few jets with the best pilots! And perhaps we could even-out the fight. What we will be lacking in equipment could be made up with organization and discipline, IMO.

BTW, all of the above were for the sake of argument, I didn't have advance MS studies to begin with!

spearhead

July 1st, 2011, 05:41 PM

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 05:51 PM

Sir i don't think you can buy a new jet fighter just like picking oranges in the farm. Hindi po ganya ang kalakaran sa pag bili ng mga armas pang militar. It takes time to purchase one meron po tayong process na dapat sundin tsaka kung bago yan it would take months or even years to deliver the goods not unless you are going to buy 2nd hand equipments. This is just my humble opinion some things i have learn reading from experts on another well known site.

This jet fighters are intended to defend our skies and i think 6 fighters is better than none but im not saying hanggang 6 fighter jets nalang tayo but its a good start for PAF. Lets focus on how we can defend our territory first and we can't just do it by having those fighter jets but we also need radars, navy ships, SAMS and all other equipment needed to defend what is ours. Our national budget is not only intended for buying military hardware and we have very limited resources.

I understand your point but am not talking about acquisition process here. I'm talking about the number of jets in relation to the amount being allocated. Whether you get it brand new or 2nd hand is irrelevant. What can you do with 6 jets to defend our air space? That number may be well and good during peace time, but we are on the brink of possible armed conflict here. The mindset of our military planners in procuring fighter jets is this: buy twin-engine so that if one engine fails, the jet can still fly to its home base. My take on it is this: if the twin-engine jet is SHOT DOWN it cannot go back home. It's gone! If you have 6 shot down, there is no more left for counter strike. Do you get the common sense argument here?

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 05:55 PM

Baka misprint nanaman sa media yan. Di naman kaya kasama na sa budget yung pangbili ng warships?

I believe so. But talking about warships, USS Jarret, USS Doyle, and USS Hawes were decommissioned recently. I wonder if these are good candidates for the navy. They are approx 453 feet and 4K ton displacement.

NaglatagawK0

July 1st, 2011, 07:00 PM

I understand your point but am not talking about acquisition process here. I'm talking about the number of jets in relation to the amount being allocated. Whether you get it brand new or 2nd hand is irrelevant. What can you do with 6 jets to defend our air space? That number may be well and good during peace time, but we are on the brink of possible armed conflict here. The mindset of our military planners in procuring fighter jets is this: buy twin-engine so that if one engine fails, the jet can still fly to its home base. My take on it is this: if the twin-engine jet is SHOT DOWN it cannot go back home. It's gone! If you have 6 shot down, there is no more left for counter strike. Do you get the common sense argument here?

Common sense tells me that these are not just the only reason why they want the dual engine fighter jets versus the single engine fighter jets. If that
's there basis in selecting an MRF for PAF then we may have idiots working in DND and PAF which i supposed they are not. There are a lot of reasons why they prefer a twin engine MRF and I'm in no position to give facts since I'm not an expert but since we are talking about common sense in here then that's what my common sense tells me. Does anyone here knows whats there basis on selecting a twin engine MRF versus a single engine MRF?

With regards to buying more fighter jets than the 6 mentioned then I'm with you on this but lets just make do of the resources available. As much as we need more MRF we can't just buy jet fighters because they are cheap. Quality is better than quantity but its always better if we get the best of both worlds :-)

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 07:13 PM

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 07:17 PM

^^kunti lang pala ang sa PH

yung kakampi natin kuno...garapal din. Dalawang countries dyan ang sobra ang angkin sa EEZ :lol:

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 07:45 PM

TO THE MODERATOR: this thread is very general and a lot of important issues are beibg discussed. Can we break the issues down to a more organized thread so we can better address issues by not jumping from one important topic to another? Just a suggestion, like separating threads for Air Force, Naval, and Ground defense? I would appreciate it.

mao rong

July 1st, 2011, 07:45 PM

yung kakampi natin kuno...garapal din. Dalawang countries dyan ang sobra ang angkin sa EEZ :lol:

^^syempre naman. they have the means...tayo pa means lang...:D

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 08:25 PM

SHANGHAI (AP) — State media say recent spills in China's largest offshore oil field are being investigated.

The Southern Weekend and other newspapers said Friday the spills were in the Bohai Penglai 19-3 oil field in Bohai Bay off the northeast coast. The field is a joint venture between China National Offshore Oil Corp. and ConocoPhillips China.

The reports said the State Oceanic Administration is investigating the spills and will announced results later this month.

Calls to CNOOC, ConocoPhillips China and to the State Oceanic Administration rang unanswered on Friday. Inquiries to the Shandong Provincial Oceanic and Fishery Information Network likewise were not answered.

It was unclear how many spills had occurred or if any were continuing.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701693&publicationSubCategoryId=200

One reason why we should not allow Chinese drilling in our EEZ. If they happen to extract oil, we will be the one severely affected

Nabartek

July 1st, 2011, 08:36 PM

Too early to ask US help on Spratlys dispute, P-Noy told
By Angelo L. Gutierrez (philstar.com) Updated July 01, 2011 12:24 PM Comments (6) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker today scored President Benigno Aquino III for seeking the support of the US in the Spratly Islands dispute without exhausting all diplomatic means with China.

“The Philippine Constitution is not at all ambiguous in asserting national sovereignty and an independent foreign policy. It is therefore highly inappropriate for the Aquino Administration to immediately seek the support of US on the Spratly claim dispute,” Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus said in a statement.

De Jesus said the Aquino administration should exhaust “all means of dialogues and diplomacy” before asking the US to intervene in the territorial dispute.

Recently, Malacañang said that it can invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the US in case tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) worsens.

The statement came after the Philippines reported several incursions by Chinese military vessels in the disputed territory, including the harassment of Philippine ships involved in an oil exploration withint the territorial waters of the country.

Several US officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have assured that their government will support the Philippines in its dispute with China.

Other countries involved in the dispute are Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

De Jesus said that the Philippine government’s move to ask the US to intervene may “escalate regional tension” over the disputed territory.

“Asking the US government to get into the picture may escalate regional tension. Gabriela is especially concerned because the possibility of territorial insecurity may lead to actual conflict that can mean more difficulties and hardships for women, children and their families who already suffer from the daily problems of not knowing where to get their next meal,” she said.

The congresswoman added that asking help from the US also shows that the Aquino administration “is losing its credibility in upholding and defending the national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“Only a truly nationalist and democratic government with an independent foreign policy can truly stand firm and strong in guarding its territory,” she added.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701662&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Typical Filipino machismo. Is it shameful to ask a help from a friend? They say so much about the US but they never say anything about being tougher on the Chinese? Why can't they condemn the Chinese for using force and intimidation?
Now, their actions (lack lack thereof) just contradicted their last line and all they have is an anti-US rhetoric. They do not see(or refuse to see) that it is China's action that escalates the tension. Claimant countries except China wants multilateral talks. WIth continued Chines intrusion we have to defend our sovereignty!

These groups are merely echoing China's sentiment. Bleh.

What PNoy needs is a mind INDEPENDENT of the LEFTISTS

gaLj

July 1st, 2011, 10:02 PM

The mindset of our military planners in procuring fighter jets is this: buy twin-engine so that if one engine fails, the jet can still fly to its home base. My take on it is this: if the twin-engine jet is SHOT DOWN it cannot go back home. It's gone! If you have 6 shot down, there is no more left for counter strike. Do you get the common sense argument here?

Again, that's in the event of war, but we aren't dealing with that here. Those 6 jets are probably lead-in-fighter-trainers (LIFT) to replace S-211. There's a big transition gap if we immediately jump to twin-engine planes without having an advance trainer jets.

Now, in time of peace, the MRFs will perform maritime patrol and reconnaissance duties. While performing these, there are instances that the engine might stall , whether it's a faulty maintenance or not, once the engine fail, our army will not lost the aircraft, but the pilot life as well. So the rational behind the twin-engine aircraft " get home capability " takes into place.

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 10:40 PM

Again, that's in the event of war, but we aren't dealing with that here. Those 6 jets are probably lead-in-fighter-trainers (LIFT) to replace S-211. There's a big transition gap if we immediately jump to twin-engine planes without having an advance trainer jets.

Now, in time of peace, the MRFs will perform maritime patrol and reconnaissance duties. While performing these, there are instances that the engine might stall , whether it's a faulty maintenance or not, once the engine fail, our army will not lost the aircraft, but the pilot life as well. So the rational behind the twin-engine aircraft " get home capability " takes into place.

Yes, that's true. 6 fighter jets in 5 years. It's one jet per year basically. It makes sense in time of peace, right? In the meantime, let the Chinese continue to harass, intimidate, occupy, land grab, all of the territories in the Spratlys becuase they know that the Philippine government doesn't have capabilities to deter their actions. It's being helped by ambitions of buying modern and expensive aircraft so they can have their hands on on sophisticated machines. Buy a handful mercedez benz instead of a fleet of toyota. 5 years? Without American help we're at the mercy of the invaders without them firing a single shot. Because we don't want war, let's just accept their aggression and stop defending our country with foolish military ambitions and defense planning. The survival of the country is at stake but who cares? Israel, though a tiny country and surrounded by its enemies will not even think of this. When America was still a young country, George Washington wasn't contented of just having a handful of military equipment. He knew that the survival of the young republic was at stake and was in the mercy of far superior English military. But despite being faced with an enormous and expensive task, the Americans unite in building its defense capabilities including the navy.

waraywaray architect

July 1st, 2011, 11:07 PM

gaLj

July 1st, 2011, 11:39 PM

Do you think the Philippine military planners have gone this far to procure lead in trainer jets and are willing to pay up to $40 million for each and within a period of 5 years? What, train pilots on a very limited basis? That's plain misguided planning and un-intelligent in my opinion. Or is this just your opinion?

Nope. I don't think it's a misguided planning.

Since the S-211 are candidate for retirement the pilot training would be:

T41 - SF-260 - - the gap - - MRF

As you can see, there's a big gap.

That is why, the need for advance trainer jets is inevitable. We are heading towards new platform. If we are going to adopt to a new platform, we also need the appropriate military-wares to support our pilot training.

If they want LIFT, why the heck are they hesitant to get the upgraded version of KFIR or upgrade the decommissioned F-5's? Israeli Aerospace Industry has the capability of upgrading F-5's A/B's which the Philippines have and it can be used as lead ins for F-16's. Is this not something that the Philippine military can save?

Again, KFIRS getting into discussion is getting nauseous already. I have been to different forums and they keep on insisting KFIRS as MRF.

KFIRS are 3rd Gen aircrafts fitted with 4th Gen avionics. It's a refurbished aircraft with zeroed airframe. If you look the technical specs of KFIRS, you can clearly see the drawbacks of these aircraft (minus the avionics).

First, KFIRs have limited range (768km). We have a massive coastline, so using them for maritime or reconnaissance doesn't make any sense at all. Hell ! even our SF-260 has greater range the KFIRS (2000km) and a lot cheaper to operate ($400-500) than KFRIS ($4000).

Second, KFIRs are obsolete aircraft alreadt. Parts and Supplies of it will be a future problem.

Third, KFIRS is not an upgrade from F-5 A/B. Hence, doesn't offer new platform to our military.

And lastly, our F5 A/B already reached it maximum life. Its airframe already suffered metal fatigue. Hence, it's dangerous to fly anymore. If we refurbished (zeroed life) them -- it will cost a lot.

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 12:10 AM

gaLj,

First I didn't say KFIR's are ugrades of F5's. The reason I say to get KFIR's is for a support role as a fighter-bomber. And please stop tagging this aircraft as obsolete. It is no turbo prop SF-260. When this bird is armed it can be very dangerous to an enemy.
Second, I haven't heard the PH military saying that the aiframe of the F5's are already dangerous and used to its fullest. The reason I heard is that they don't have spare parts, hence the decommissioning. If they can fund the spare parts and upgrade it to the latest and available avionics and get this bird flying again, they can play the role of a trainer and support fighter. This can save the PAF money and use the remaining funds for newer aircraft for reconnaisance and or MRF.
And third, let's get to the bottom line here. Without US forward deployed forces or military help, how do you think our military can fight tooth and nail against an external threat or even at least as a deterrent with just the SF260 or 6 MRF which is not yet there. Convince us of your position please.

Sou-jiro

July 2nd, 2011, 01:07 AM

Personally My favorite is the F-16 its more affordable for our PAF. But still I would prefer they purchase a twin engined F/A-18 and or Newer Mig-29s as long as its not the one's Malaysia is retiring. Again like I said before no point buying an aircraft if its from a rival spratly's claimant, we all know Malaysia will be retiring them soon. Its like buying an enemy's junk.

For the Price I don't really see any problem if we get KFIR C-10s they are proven and we can have more of them. Many Countries like Sri Lanka, Ecuador and Columbia have used them to great Effect. Sri lanka has used to great Effect to eliminate LTTE. Ecuador and Columbia in they're regions conflict as well like the Ecuadorian-Peruvian conflicts.
F/A-18 and F-16 are proven but F-16 is a lot more affordable for our Air Force.

I believe modern equipment and skills of our pilot are as equal. The best Mig-21 Pilot can have a good chance if you Pit him againts the worst F-15 pilot. Equipment and Pilot knowledge and skills are just as important.

No one wants war. We should keep trying diplomatic ways. But THERE IS NO EXCUSE to
ignore the fact the we need serious upgrades of our Air force and Navy.

While there is process and long waiting periods to acquire equipment. Our Government must find way to acquire them FASTER!. 4-5 years are too long...the intrusions and worsening of the issue are increasing so fast.
Not just yearly but monthly....Heck even weekly. Its so stupid to think that we just accept things the way things are and not fight for whatever is OURS!

Our Waters and Airspace are being intruded and all our neighbors not just China knows we are ill equip.

Upgrading our equipment does not meet we are asking for war but The Philippines needs to start upgrading its equipment to be taken seriously otherwise even they're diplomatic protest will amount to nothing...sad to say.

We need to beef up our defenses as fast as we can that's it. Israel is in the middle of hostiles but with a Mighty defense capability no one dares to touch them in an all war. Countries like Egypt, Libya, Jordan Iraq and more have joint forces in the past againts a tiny state in Israel. We all know what happen ..it was a very one sided war in favor of Israel. Japan is another Example. Japan is another of a small country with a strong defense capability.

Being small does not also mean being weak............and at least on The Philippines case...I'm not saying It shouldn't be.

Bottom line the Philippines should invest more and support our local Aerospace/Aviation industry. It will take a long time but Needs to start now. Our neighbors Aviation industry even Military is lot more than what we have they even collaborate with major manufacturers.

Sebastian_L23

July 2nd, 2011, 01:14 AM

What are the steps being taken about the upcoming deployment of the Chinese Oil Rig? Is the Phil Navy going to do an intercept/blockade?

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 01:17 AM

What are the steps being taken about the upcoming deployment of the Chinese Oil Rig? Is the Phil Navy going to do an intercept/blockade?

IMO, this is alarming. I recently read an article about several oil spills near Shanghai. There could be more in the past as we know how restrictive the Chinese government can be. If an accident happens, we will be more affected than the Chinese

Sou-jiro

July 2nd, 2011, 01:23 AM

@ Sebastian_L23 ^^^BRP Rajah Humabon is there I doubt that will do much...but there is currently PHIL-US naval exercises there right now.

Sou-jiro

July 2nd, 2011, 01:25 AM

IMO, this is alarming. I recently read an article about several oil spills near Shanghai. There could be more in the past as we know how restrictive the Chinese government can be. If an accident happens, we will be more affected than the Chinese

buti sana kung sila lang contaminated as long as it doesn't affect us. but is it spreads...then we will be affected.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 01:28 AM

^^What they are doing is "we get your resources, we leave our dump" :ohno:

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 01:34 AM

Sou-jiro

July 2nd, 2011, 01:36 AM

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 01:38 AM

@ Sebastian_L23 ^^^BRP Rajah Humabon is there I doubt that will do much...but there is currently PHIL-US naval exercises there right now.

China will just wait until it's over.:ohno:

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 01:38 AM

There's a saying; "If there's a will, there's a way." We have been given so many excuse by the PHL government and even the PHL military that there is not enough budget to finance the acquisition of more newer aircraft or military hardwares. But funding additional budget for pork barrel amounting to $81M just this year alone is just irresponsible for government officials, knowing that the country needs to beef up its defenses NOW.
On the other hand, let's just face the facts about US military aid to the Philippines. It doesn't make any sense to fund Pakistan with billions to equip them with high tech military hardwares yet the Philippines is only in several millions, not even hundreds. Pakistan is an Islamic country, and we know they DON'T SHARE the same governing principles with the US. And what happens? The alliance of the US with Pakistan is shaky at best! If you think of it, the PHL is the only country in SEA that has a strong bond with the US, historically, militarily, and even on a family basis. It's just hard to comprehend that the US doesn't give the PHL a helping hand in developing it's ability to stand up on its own by helping them develop its own fighter aircrafts and naval vessels. I guess the PHL will just rely with the US for the next 50 years... unless the Filipinos will start pooling its human and natural resources together and start developing its own military. Or if the PHL gets influenced by China, the US will be very nervous loosing its grip on its natural ally.

The US should wake up on Pakistan. IMO, it is as hopeless as Afghanistan (and perhaps Iraq). They're playing on the US and its money. Not that I wish the aid they send to Pakistan goes to us (that would be nice) but it would be better if that money would go back home. Lots of budget cuts in education.

Imagine, Bin Laden a few meters away from their military academy. That is like Joma Sison being right next door to the PMA.

It's a tough decision for the US, as regards to the Chinese aggression. Being the superpower and have committed mistakes in the past (Iraq WMD is one), if the US will challenge China without China acting on smaller nations, it will be to their disadvantage as the world might see it as US aggression than preemptive response to a foreseeable aggression. On the other hand, if the US will have an isolationist policy, it will lose allies. It will be perceived that the US is only after its own interest and does not care (well, either they intervene or not that is the perception).

The US has to play its cards here wisely.

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 01:40 AM

^^^What they need its an inland earthquake with a magnitude of 30 on the scale to struck they're military installation and center of government. China is the most evil country in the world. 10 times worse then N. Korea, Iran and even Burma

:lol::lol::lol: Don't worry, China's communism will "fall under its own weight" as Pope John Paull II the Great has warned the Soviet Union the same fate... It's just a matter of time...

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 01:48 AM

The US should wake up on Pakistan. IMO, it is as hopeless as Afghanistan (and perhaps Iraq). They're playing on the US and its money. Not that I wish the aid they send to Pakistan goes to us (that would be nice) but it would be better if that money would go back home. Lots of budget cuts in education.

Imagine, Bin Laden a few meters away from their military academy. That is like Joma Sison being right next door to the PMA.

It's a tough decision for the US, as regards to the Chinese aggression. Being the superpower and have committed mistakes in the past (Iraq WMD is one), if the US will challenge China without China acting on smaller nations, it will be to their disadvantage as the world might see it as US aggression than preemptive response to a foreseeable aggression. On the other hand, if the US will have an isolationist policy, it will lose allies. It will be perceived that the US is only after its own interest and does not care (well, either they intervene or not that is the perception).

The US has to play its cards here wisely.

With Barack Obama at the helm, it's doubtful. Sometimes I wish President Reagan is still the US president. Anyway, I hope we can find a similar minded person as Reagan to run next year and win.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 01:57 AM

With Barack Obama at the helm, it's doubtful. Sometimes I wish President Reagan is still the US president. Anyway, I hope we can find a similar minded person as Reagan to run next year and win.

Sayang si McCain noh? With Obama I also fear the passage of the "Nightmare" Act.You be illegal, you get rewarded. Sheesh. Buti sana kung pagmumultahin lang sila ng malaki, but no..they are required to go to college where they can avail of grants or enter the military where they can avail of the GI bill -- all sponsored by the taxpayers.

I was reading past articles and McCain had a gut feeling of Chinese militarism. Now, since 2010, we can see it clearly.

:nuts:

While, if you are an legal immigrant, you will wait 20 years for your visa to be approved and pay exorbitant fees

Actually, I have a gut feeling that in case China does something bad to US allies, and the US responds, it is a possibility that the US will be the badguy and China will be the hapless one. I hope I am wrong (I'm basing my opinion on the myriad of comments I read from both Americans and non-Americans)

Sou-jiro

July 2nd, 2011, 01:59 AM

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 02:18 AM

Sayang si McCain noh? With Obama I also fear the passage of the "Nightmare" Act.You be illegal, you get rewarded. Sheesh. Buti sana kung pagmumultahin lang sila ng malaki, but no..they are required to go to college where they can avail of grants or enter the military where they can avail of the GI bill -- all sponsored by the taxpayers.

I was reading past articles and McCain had a gut feeling of Chinese militarism. Now, since 2010, we can see it clearly.

:nuts:

While, if you are an legal immigrant, you will wait 20 years for your visa to be approved and pay exorbitant fees

Actually, I have a gut feeling that in case China does something bad to US allies, and the US responds, it is a possibility that the US will be the badguy and China will be the hapless one. I hope I am wrong (I'm basing my opinion on the myriad of comments I read from both Americans and non-Americans)

the immigration bill is very highly unlikely to even pass at the lower house. democrats doesn't have the numbers compared to last year. regarding comments from the media on what side the americans will believe, i tell you china is looked at as dishonest in everything, from economy to espionage to stealing US milutary secrets. the ones you read on CNN are liberal and unedcuated young people that doesn't even know where China is, for crying out loud. and almost all the major media here in the US are full of evil and immoral liberals and obama worshippers. but a lot of people that i hear on radio talk show says that they regretted voting for obumbi.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 02:23 AM

coldfire083

July 2nd, 2011, 03:43 AM

So fighter jets ba or trainers? Mas kailangan ng MRF ng Air Force dahil sa China. Mas maganda gawin ngayon ay ipadala mga pilots natin sa UK, US or even Israel para doon sila mag training before dumating MRF natin.

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 03:47 AM

^^ IDK, I came across an article saying the bill was short of 6 votes. I haven't followed the floor debate last year, so the one I got was probably the older news on attempts to pass the bill.

Funnily, some pro-illegals want Obama to have an executive order instead

God, 12 million people to be on welfare if this pass. US is already bankrupt, they even want to bankrupt it even more by increasing the budget (China loan again!) and giving access to welfare for the illegals. Isn't paying for the anchor babies already enough?

One of the observations I made is to document the illegals and let them pay a fine. Give them working permits so they can pay their share of the taxes, then give them at least 15 to 20 years before they can become residents, and then more years to become citizens. Not grant them amnesty which is just an abuse and injustice to the many people who follow the rules. Obambi is just desperate to get the votes.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 04:16 AM

One of the observations I made is to document the illegals and let them pay a fine. Give them working permits so they can pay their share of the taxes, then give them at least 15 to 20 years before they can become residents, and then more years to become citizens. Not grant them amnesty which is just an abuse and injustice to the many people who follow the rules. Obambi is just desperate to get the votes.

I do agree with you. It will be more expensive to deport them. I am not against legalizing them but giving them the benefits that even taxpayers cannot avail is pure BS.

When the Philippines gave amnesty to the illegals in 1992, they weren't given rewards, there were made to pay fine in exchange of PR. And the amount was not cheap. It was Php200,000. What the Obama administration is doing is rewarding the illegals by giving them access to welfare and GI Bill. They could even file for citizenship in two years if they join the military as compared to those people who came here legally who have to wait 5 years (3 years if married to a citizen)

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 06:40 AM

Another Pinoy drug mule sentenced to death in China
By Angelo L. Gutierrez (philstar.com) Updated July 02, 2011 11:57 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Another Filipino has been convicted of drug smuggling charges and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve in China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the Filipina was convicted by the Municipal Intermediate People's Court. Her case will be elevated to the Guangdong High People' court for automatic review.

The DFA said that the Filipina, who was a teacher and had been working in China since 2006 with a legitimate work permit, was arrested at the Guangzhou international airport in October 2010 for carrying 1,996 grams of heroin. The drugs was concealed ina foil packet hidden under the Filipina's checked-in suitcase.

The DFA assured that the Filipina was given full legal and consular assitance during the trial. It said the assistance will continue during the appeal.

Her family in the Philippines is being constantly updated on her caes, the DFA added.

"The Filipina's case highlights another incident of 'could-be' drug mules, indicating that even professionals are lured into the said criminal activity due to the temptation of 'easy money,'" the DFA said.

It said that drug syndicates operating in Manila entice their victims by convincing them that by simply becoming so-called "viajeras", transporting "goods" from a jump-off country into China, large amounts of money can be earned.

The DFA reiterated its call to all Filipinos to avoid accepting "easy money" offers from strangers as "harsh penalties await them in their destinations."

It also advised Filipinos to be more vigilant in verifying invitations to work abroad, which could turn out to be a hoax or a mods operandi of drug syndicates.

Last March 30, three Filipinos -- Ramon Credo, Sally Ordinario-Villanueva, and Elizabeth Batain -- were executed in China for drug smuggling.

The three Filipinos were also victims of a drug syndicate, which has members staying in Manila with Filipino partners.

I hope this is not the reason for the China visit

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701977&publicationSubCategoryId=200

---

Pakistan college contest: Praise for bin Laden
(philstar.com) Updated July 02, 2011 08:00 AM Comments (2) View comments

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Two months after the covert U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden, posters emblazoned with images of the burning World Trade Center towers appeared at the country's largest university advertising a literary contest to glorify the slain al-Qaida chief.

The poem and essay competition at the prestigious Punjab University shows the footholds of hard-line Islamists on college campuses and growing efforts to raise their profile and influence even in the relatively cosmopolitan atmosphere of Pakistan's culture capital, Lahore.

The contest's organizers have kept their identities hidden. But many students and teachers suspect it is being held by a powerful Islamist student group that has increasingly enforced its conservative religious views on the rest of the campus — sometimes violently.

The Islami Jamiat Talaba, which is connected to Pakistan's largest Islamist party, has denied involvement, saying it doesn't participate in secret activities. But its leaders have publicly acknowledged that many members support bin Laden and have a profound hatred for the U.S.

The group's rising ambitions have intensified fears about the radicalization of Pakistan's educated middle classes, who make up a large part of the public university's population. The educated classes have been seen as a bulwark against militant groups such as the Taliban in the nuclear-armed country.

The ability of Islami Jamiat Talaba, or Islamic Student Group, to gain ground on the university — even though many students reject its radical views — also reflects a general unwillingness of Pakistani authorities to challenge the powerful Islamist forces.

"Whoever is America's friend is a traitor!" roared the head of the student group, Zubair Safdar, in an interview with The Associated Press.

His views were echoed by 19-year-old student Bismah Khan as she read one of the posters promoting the bin Laden contest. One of three topics for the essay section was: "Osama, a thorn piercing the hearts of infidels."

The group holding the contest identifies itself only as "Sheik Lovers" — a reference to bin Laden, who's often called the "Sheik" — and provided an email address for contestants to submit their entries by June 30. Attempts by the AP to contact organizers by email went unanswered, and it's unclear what kind of prizes would go to the winners.

Many students said they opposed the contest, reflecting the low support for bin Laden, al-Qaida and militant groups across the nation. "The killer of humanity cannot be a great person," said student Ali Akbar.

A survey taken after bin Laden's death by the Washington-based Pew Research Center showed that 12 percent of Pakistanis have a favorable view of al-Qaida. But only 10 percent approve of the U.S. Navy SEAL operation that killed him May 2 not far from Islamabad. The raid humiliated Pakistan because the government was not told about it beforehand.

The survey of some 1,251 Pakistanis had a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

Expressing opinions freely can be dangerous business at Punjab University, which has an enrollment of roughly 30,000, because of the risk that members of Islami Jamiat Talaba will deem them against Islam, said students and teachers.

The group has effectively seized control of running the dormitories and sends groups of men across campus to enforce its strict brand of Islam: music is forbidden and men and women are not allowed to sit together outside class. It also discourages the formation of rival student groups.

bin Laden and (Taliban leader) Mullah Omar," said Sajid Ali, the head of the university's philosophy department.

One of these "Vice and Virtue" squads last week beat up a philosophy student who was sitting with a female classmate, said Safdar, head of the student group and university spokesman Khurram Shahzad. Teachers who cross the group also have allegedly been targeted.

"The university is not a date point," said Safdar. "If boys and girls walk holding hands, sit together back to back or lay on the lawn, this is not Islamic culture," he said.

Some of the philosophy students, mainly girls, staged a protest after the beating, shouting "Go Jamiat Go!" and "Shame Jamiat Shame!" But several members of the group appeared and pushed away the protesters.

Attempts by the administration to rein in the group have been stymied by the influence of its parent organization, the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which many politicians rely on for votes, teachers said.

Earlier this year, members of both groups rallied tens of thousands of people across Pakistan in support of a man who murdered a liberal provincial governor because of his criticism of harsh laws for insulting Islam.

One of the ways the student group increases support on campus is by targeting new students, many of them from rural areas, and giving them extra food in the cafeteria and special concessions for tea, juice and facilities such as laundry, students and teachers said. They also grant them positions within the group around campus, giving them a taste of leadership.

"They are very vulnerable," said Naumana Amjad, an assistant psychology professor. "They are influenced quickly."

Concern is rising in Pakistan about the participation of well-educated Pakistanis in militant groups, rather than just poor students streaming out of radical Islamist schools in remote parts of the country.

The Pakistani-American man who tried to detonate a car bomb in New York City's Times Square last year, Faisal Shahzad, was well-educated and came from an affluent Pakistani family. He said he acted out of anger about U.S. attacks on Muslims overseas. Others have expressed frustration with Pakistan's alliance with the U.S.

A medical doctor and an engineer were allegedly involved in an attack on the regional office of Pakistan's most powerful intelligence agency in Lahore in 2009, according to police records. Two other medical doctors allegedly supported militants who attacked the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad in 2008 and two mosques of the minority Ahmadi sect in Lahore in 2010, the records said.

Three former members of Islami Jamiat Talaba allegedly acted as hosts and facilitators for a Pakistani Taliban suicide squad that attacked a mosque near army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi in 2009, killing 35 people, said intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Hafiz Mohammad Iqbal, dean of the education faculty at Punjab University, said students were in danger of being radicalized because of the lackluster quality of education at public universities relative to private schools and the poor job prospects after graduation.

This environment can lead students in "the direction of radicalism and extremism," he said.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701963&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 07:23 AM

EU out to be careful. And we're probably going to be next....

By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent

6:50AM BST 27 Jun 2011

Wen Jiabao made the pledge as he arrived in the UK for a visit aimed at deepening the commercial ties between Britain and China.

China’s fast-expanding economy means its government has huge financial surpluses, money it has lent to Western governments by buying their bonds.

Most of China’s investments have been in US bonds, but Beijing has also begun lending to European nations.

Mr Wen said that process will continue as Eurozone nations like Greece, Portugal and Ireland struggle to raise money on financial markets.

Before arriving in Britain, Mr Wen was in Hungary, where he agreed to lend to the government in Budapest.
Related Articles

He told the BBC: “We reached agreement on the Chinese government buying a certain amount of government debts of bonds on the Hungarian side -- that is China lending a helping hand to Hungary at a time when that country is in difficulty.

He added: “We have done this for Hungary and we will do the same thing for other European countries.”

Some US politicians have expressed worries that their government owes China so much money, but Mr Wen insisted that lending to European governments would strengthen international relations.

He said: “Europe's debt crisis is expanding. Trust is more important than currency and gold. Now, during the debt crisis, we again bring trust to Europe.”

Mr Wen will meet David Cameron today for talks that Downing Street said will seal more than £1 billion of deals for British business. The two leaders are to sign an agreement enabling UK firms to exploit opportunities beyond Beijing and Shanghai in China's fast-growing regional cities, creating opportunities in architecture, civil engineering and research and development.

An agreement to allow British farmers to export chicken and pork to China will also be confirmed.

Downing Street said the visit would mark "the next step in our strengthened relationship" with China.

No 10 said: “China's rapid economic rise is good news for the UK. It means more money flowing into our economies and has the potential to create more jobs and investment opportunities for British business at home and in China.

“The summit will be an opportunity to tap that potential and to continue to work closely with China to find global solutions to a range of issues from climate change to global security.”

Mr Cameron’s embrace of his Chinese counterpart has angered human rights campaigners, who say Beijing is suppressing democracy and illegally occupying Tibet.

The Prime Minister has argued that only by guaranteeing freedom of speech and the rule of law can the Chinese leadership ensure the country’s long-term stability.

However, he is not expected to dwell publicly on the issue, focussing his meetings on economic and commercial issues.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8599811/China-pledges-support-to-crisis-hit-economies.html

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 08:03 AM

Mambabatas naniniwalang hindi gagamit ng dahas ang China
07/02/2011 | 12:16 AM
MANILA – Naniniwala ng isang kongresista na hindi gagamit ng dahas ang People’s Republic of China para resolbahin ang usapin sa pinag-aagawang Spratly Group of Islands.

“From my understanding, Chinese officials want a peaceful resolution of the disputed islands. But without the participation of countries, I supposed the United States, which has no claim in the controversial Spratlys," ayon kay Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna.

Si Tugma ay kabilang sa delegasyon ng mga mambabatas ng Kamara de Representantes na bumisita sa China kamakailan. Kasama sa grupo sina Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Reps Elpidio Barzaga (Cavite), Victor Ortega (La Union), Joey Zubiri (Bukidnon), Victor Yu (Zamboanga del Sur) at Tomas Apacible (Batangas).

Nandoon din umano si Wu Bangguo, ang chairman ng Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Ngunit nilinaw ni Tugna na personal na obserbasyon lamang niya bilang bahagi ng delegasyon na paniwala na walang balak makidigma ang China dahil sa pinag-aagawang mga isla na pinapaniwalaang mayaman sa mina ng langis.

“He (Wu) emphasized the importance of resolving the controversy through peaceful avenues," pahayag ni Tugna.

Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng military exercises ang Pilipinas at United States malapit sa pinag-aagawang karagatan ng West Philippine Sea (o South China Sea), partikular sa bahagi ng Palawan.

"We will also hold anti-piracy and anti-smuggling exercises and test the interoperability and readiness of the two navies in responding to various scenarios, such as security, disaster and humanitarian assistance," pahayag kamakailan ni Lieutenant Noel Cadigal ng Philippine Navy sa Reuters.

Iminungkahi naman ni Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño sa liderato ng Kamara na imbitahan sa Kongreso si Chinese ambassador Liu Jianchao para matalakay ang paghanap ng mapayapang resolusyon sa usapin ng Spratlys. - GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225055/pinoy-abroad/mambabatas-naniniwalang-hindi-gagamit-ng-dahas-ang-china

It worries me that our lawmakers are having a lax mentality. Forgot the mistake of being lax in ww2

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 08:14 AM

Philippines tells China to be ‘responsible’
Agence France-Presse
4:01 pm | Friday, July 1st, 2011
0 share31 30

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines on Friday urged China to be a “responsible” power, while expressing concern again over the Asian giant’s increasing assertiveness in disputed waters.

Nevertheless, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said he expected the tensions that have escalated recently over rival claims to parts of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) would not escalate into armed conflict.

Del Rosario also said he planned to visit China next week, and he expected to discuss the dispute with Chinese leaders.

“We’re counting on China’s rise and growth and progress as being a responsible one,” del Rosario told reporters.

“I have been invited to go to Beijing and I’m sure we will be looking for peaceful means to be able to settle the challenges that appear to be facing us at this time.”

Del Rosario said his trip to China was tentatively set for July 7-9, although the dates had yet to be confirmed.

He also indicated President Benigno Aquino would eventually accept a longstanding invitation by the Chinese to visit, although that trip was also not set in stone.

“We’re still trying to discuss the (Aquino) China trip,” he said.

Tensions in the strategic and resource-rich West Philippine Sea have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam voicing alarm at what they say are increasingly aggressive Chinese actions there.

Del Rosario repeated Philippine accusations of Chinese forces opening fire on Filipino fishermen, shadowing an oil exploration vessel employed by a Filipino firm, and putting up structures in areas claimed by the Philippines.

He said he did not know why China had suddenly become more aggressive.

“I can only speculate that there appears to be some finding of significant natural gas deposits in the area,” he said.

While he did not expect the tensions to lead to war, del Rosario said he was counting on the United States to deliver on Secretary Hillary Clinton’s pledge last week to help its Asian ally acquire the means to defend its own territory.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5165/philippines-tells-china-to-be-responsible

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 08:22 AM

Historical reasons for China's position
FROM A DISTANCE By Carmen N. Pedrosa (The Philippine Star) Updated July 02, 2011 12:00 AM

If you want to make sense of what the latest flare-up on the Spratlys is all about, you cannot rely on statements officials make through media, whether they’re Chinese, American or Filipino. It is a word war but what is the reality? In my opinion the Philippines is being used as a convenient pawn in a power struggle between China and the United States.

If that is the case then our efforts as Filipinos should be for self-preservation. I am more concerned that our government should understand that. The prospects for this kind of official reaction are not very bright. More educated Filipinos should take time and examine the way the narrative is developing. They should express themselves and be heard.

* * *

While Filipinos saber rattle and threaten the Chinese that Americans will help us in the event of a military attack, the Americans and the Chinese are talking to each other. They held their first round of consultations recently and both sides have said these consultations were “positive and beneficial”.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell co-chaired the closed-door meeting. It was, in the main, a follow up of earlier agreements between Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Barack Obama when Hu visited the US recently. It is hoped that the Spratlys issue would be regarded in the same manner.

They talked among and about themselves on what is good for their countries. It is especially worth noting their efforts are for “creating a mechanism through which they can achieve a pattern of positive interaction in the Asia-Pacific region”. This cooperation will ensure the region’s stability and development necessary and that includes the Philippines.

With that as the background, we would do better than make belligerent statements like “we will not be bullied” or thank Americans for assuring us they will come to our aid if hostilities break out. It is not clear what they mean by that assurance. They are talking out of two sides of the mouth — one that says yes they will aid the Philippines, and the other that they will not take sides. Do you notice that although Malaysia is a claimant, it does not make noise about it? Wise.

China is the biggest trading partner of most countries in our region so it does not really help to challenge it with meaningless words.

* * *

By the way we also had a flare-up of the Spratlys issue in the Arroyo administration in 2009. Even then China reiterated that dialogue is the best way to resolve the dispute among claimants of the islands.

At that time the dispute was revived because of the passage of the Baselines Law, which defines the Philippine territory to include the disputed islands. The law is in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The skirmishing came and went and I don’t remember that the Arroyo government made any statements about the US coming to our support if hostilities break out. It did just what needed to be done. We acted in step with the declaration of conduct signed in Cambodia in 2002 among claimants to be peaceful and harmonious. This was signed by China as well. Some nasty critics of the present government are saying that’s probably why the Americans would prefer a government like Aquino’s. They detested former President Arroyo for playing footsies with the Chinese.

* * *

Frankly I think the issue can be brought down to historical and cultural factors. Historically, China considered itself civilized even before the West came to colonize Asia. It called the Western countries “barbarian” but the name-calling was in vain because by then the Western countries were richer and more powerful, no longer barbarian when they came. China was in turmoil internally and could not resist the ‘barbarian invasion’. That is the undertow that does not come up in the present belligerence. But it is there, as French author Fernand Braudel says will not vanish for a long time. We can place a time on events such as the Spratlys dispute but not what he calls the “longue duree” of past encounters between China and the West.

China has since risen from the ashes and understandably would resent being dictated upon to share the hegemony they have gained after a long period of suffering and hard work. On the other hand America is a waning superpower but still in the throes of what it was once before China became an economic and political force to be reckoned with. China wants the issue settled within the region and by countries in the region without interference from the US. That is the root of the belligerence.

But the Americans are not saying that to the Chinese, it is Filipinos who are. It is a sad fact of our colonial mindset. The Philippines, as it were is let loose to do that. After all, it has a claim.

I am not sure that it will help to keep saying that the Americans will help us. This is an implied threat to China. We should deal with the Chinese but at the same time be aware of America’s own interest. Far more complicated than it is made to appear in media.

How do we ride out through the complication? By recognizing that the US and China will work out their own problems about hegemony in the region regardless of what we want or think. If it wants to be assured of free passage in the South China Sea that is the maritime heartland of the region, it should use other ways. We talk to China about our claim and push for a regional solution. But we must keep in mind that Oriental sensitivity about face-saving comes into the picture. This, I think, is why China wants to lead in finding solutions.

* * *

Early on I wrote about how Jean Monnet thought of a solution in a similar dispute between France and Germany that gave rise to the European Steel and Coal Community. As he said it was nothing if not revolutionary because the key was for the contending parties to pool themselves together through a higher authority. They became one under a higher authority instead of a squabbling many. That could work if China will initiate the process of forming a common higher authority.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701791&publicationSubCategoryId=64

Interesting view though I think she forgot that it is China who is reluctant for a multilateral talks. Everyone else, especially other claimant countries want a multilateral approach not a bilateral one, where China can make other countries "pawns" against each other

(It is just me or does this article sound like a soft "pro-China" and "anti-American" one?)

chris_nigel

July 2nd, 2011, 11:23 AM

These times when the world's eye was on the Philippines...so sad what its come down to..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axaanZqK7-A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXqWQ4k0j8A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_o4fMglVc0

If we can still have a president like Carlos Garcia I think the AFP will regain its power:):)

rain34

July 2nd, 2011, 11:40 AM

:lol::lol::lol: Don't worry, China's communism will "fall under its own weight" as Pope John Paull II the Great has warned the Soviet Union the same fate... It's just a matter of time...

yeah I agree with you only time can tell when. Maybe its already starting like this news

As China Communist Party turns 90, a debate erupts (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5134/as-china-communist-party-turns-90-a-debate-erupts)

By Charles Hutzler
Associated Press
8:07 pm | Thursday, June 30th, 2011

A man holds up his child in front of a giant Chinese Communist Party emblem set up to celebrate the July 1 Chinese Communist Party's 90th anniversary at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, Wednesday. AP
BEIJING—China is marking the 90th birthday of the Communist Party with its typically over-the-top celebrations and an unusually rancorous debate about whether the government needs a major change in direction to sustain the country’s resurgence.

Percolating for years among academics and commentators, the debate pits those who want a transition to more democratic government against those who want a more egalitarian, populist authoritarianism — a group known as the “new left.”

The discord has gathered steam with the approach of Friday’s anniversary and mounting social tensions over corruption and a widening wealth gap. It has become a factor in the jockeying for party leadership and led to heated online exchanges, including calls to charge an octogenarian economist with sedition.

Underlying the debate is a sense that the reforms that mixed capitalism with state control and transformed China from poverty to global power have run their course, entrenching a new elite, while leaving out others.

“People see that the reforms have led to all sorts of social problems and costs, and those costs are being borne by farmers, workers and migrant laborers,” said Yang Jisheng, the elderly editor of a liberal magazine aimed at retired party members. “The dissatisfied cut across the left, the right and the middle. The left doesn’t like the market economy. The right dislikes that there’s no liberalization, no democracy. And the middle wavers back and forth.”

Whether China veers right or left matters to a world that looks to torrid Chinese growth to buoy the global economy, but has trouble meshing that with its closed, authoritarian political system.

It’s also crucial to the party’s survival. Protests in recent weeks over minority and migrant worker rights in the northern Inner Mongolia region and southern Guangdong province make party claims to be building a “harmonious society” ring hollow.

Much of the discord has played out in media reports and blogosphere comments, though it has also erupted into view among the leadership.

Over the past year, Premier Wen Jiabao has repeatedly cited the need for political reforms to ensure China’s continued growth. The head of the national legislature and the party’s law-and-order czar have both shot back, vowing not to adopt Western-style democracy.

“All of a sudden you seem to have left and right going after each other,” said Joseph Fewsmith, a China politics expert at Boston University.

The public dissension is unusual for a leadership that has tried to suppress outward signs of debate in the two decades since Tiananmen Square, when open splits encouraged the pro-democracy demonstrators and delayed the crackdown. In the aftermath, the party marginalized its left and right, morphing into an institution of technocrats and officials bound together more by ambition and connections than ideology.

Official celebrations to mark the party’s founding in 1921 gloss over the divisiveness. Party propagandists have released a torrent of politically correct entertainment to promote the theme that the communist government has made China prosperous and strong.

The public has largely ignored the hoopla. “It is just a short-time campaign, and when July 1 is over, everything will return to where it used to be,” said Jiang Xiaoyu, a cultural critic and film director.

A centerpiece is group sing-a-longs of “red” songs from the 1950s, when older Chinese say people were unified in purpose to rebuild the country — in contrast to today’s goal of pursuing wealth. Songfests have been staged in schools and offices across China.

But the red songs campaign has also become part of the larger debate.

The campaign’s most visible champion is Bo Xilai, the party secretary of Chongqing, the megacity that sprawls astride the Yangtze in central China, who is believed to want a top post in next year’s leadership succession.

His supporters say the red songs are the cultural component to policies meant to improve people’s lives. They include an anti-crime crackdown, a splurge to build low-cost housing and incentives to encourage farmers to sell their land and move to the city in exchange for better social benefits.

“It’s similar to the New Deal,” said Cui Zhiyuan, a leading new left scholar who took leave from prestigious Tsinghua University to be an adviser to the Chongqing government. Bo, Cui said, wants not only to govern, but “to win the hearts and minds of the common people.”

Detractors say Bo and the Chongqing model portend a shift toward more topdown rule, and they worry that the nationwide rollout of the red songs campaign signals Beijing’s tacit endorsement of the new left.

He Weifang, a law professor at Peking University and an increasingly vocal critic of the new left, said the events in Chongqing were like a return to the radical, abusive power of Mao’s era. “There’s a sudden sense of going back in time, of seeing a repeat of the Cultural Revolution. The ideals of rule of law are sinking into ruin,” he wrote on his blog in April.

Retorts on websites associated with the new left called He a foreigner in all but looks bent on trying to turn China into America. One branded him a “slave of the West.”

Another new left website, Utopia, circulated petitions calling for elderly economist Mao Yushi to be charged with sedition after he wrote in an essay that revolutionary leader Mao Zedong’s legacy — with its policies that led to the deaths of tens of millions — should be reassessed.

The party has tried to tamp down the discord. The flagship People’s Daily newspaper published an editorial last month urging party members to heed the official line. A senior party propaganda official denied last week that the red song campaign heralds an ideological shift.

One question is whether Bo believes in the new left or if it’s a tactical move to gain entry to the leadership. “It’s very hard to see China embracing full populism,” said Fewsmith, the China expert, “because populism works against the elite too.”

coldfire083

July 2nd, 2011, 11:49 AM

1950's AFP > 2011 AFP

Kung sa boxing yan ay K.O. Round 2 ang modern AFP.

rawr

July 2nd, 2011, 12:09 PM

1950's AFP > 2011 AFP

Kung sa boxing yan ay K.O. Round 2 ang modern AFP.

modern AFP?! what?

leofriends

July 2nd, 2011, 12:11 PM

Defense chief welcomes US Senate resolution on Spratlys (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5202/defense-chief-welcomes-us-senate-resolution-on-spratlys)

By Kate Evangelista
INQUIRER.net
4:21 pm | Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of National Defense has welcomed a US Senate resolution that “deplores” China’s use of force in the potentially resource-rich West Philippine Sea.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the resolution is an assurance that the Philippines can rely on the United States to defend its claimed territories in the Spratly Islands.

“This is good for us because we have an assurance that at least the US will extend assistance in case there is a conflict in the area,” Gazmin said Friday.

Tensions in the West Philippine Sea region have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam alarmed at what they say are increasingly aggressive actions by Beijing in disputed waters.

The US Senate’s symbolic resolution “deplores the use of force by naval and maritime security vessels from China in the South China Sea” and urges a “multilateral, peaceful process to resolve these disputes.”

The Senate measure also “supports the continuation of operations by the United States Armed Forces in support of freedom of navigation rights in international waters and air space in the South China Sea.”

Gazmin said it simply shows that the US Senate is not pleased with the way China asserts its claims over the contested 750 reefs, islets, atolls, cays and islands in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the US involvement in the West Philippine Sea territorial issue could “result to a stalemate.”

“[China] is a superpower and the one not agreeing with its policies in the area is another superpower [US]. So a superpower against a superpower will result to a stalemate,” Gazmin said.

But Gazmin said it was not necessary for the US to deploy a large number of troops in the West Philippine Sea.

“They don’t necessarily have to deploy a big number of troops. What is important is that they ensure that there is no atrocity in the area of dispute,” Gazmin said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has filed several diplomatic complaints on China’s alleged incursions in Manila-claimed territories in the West Philippine Sea.

Armed Forces Chief Ricardo Oban Jr. has accused Chinese vessels and air crafts of intruding into the areas within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

China dismissed the US Senate resolution, saying it “does not hold water” as it maintained that the disputes “should be resolved through direct negotiations between the directly concerned parties.”

Recent incidents have put the security spotlight on the West Philippine Sea, a potentially oil-rich area where China has sometimes overlapping disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Vietnam recently carried out live-fire drills and the Philippines ordered the deployment of its naval flagship after accusing China of aggressive actions. With Agence France-Presse

rawr

July 2nd, 2011, 12:15 PM

Sou-jiro

July 2nd, 2011, 05:10 PM

I like to film "Apocalypse Now with was filmed in the Jungles Of Luzon. The entire military equipment used was from the Philippine Air force. Back then our Air force was respectable and modern at that time. New Helicopters and You can even see out F-5s in action dropping bombs :-)

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 05:16 PM

^^ the AFP back then benefited greatly from the Cold War scare...now no such thing exists.

The P-51s, F-86s and F-5s were given to us new....and at no/minimal cost since maintenance costs of these assets were shouldered by the Americans. Syempre ang pinaka-"bayad" lang natin sa mga yan ay ang pagpayag natin na mag-stay ang mga Kano sa Subic.

PHL government officials, particularly in Congress, should just be honest to themnselves. The PHL doesn't have the full capability to upgrade the country's defense in the short term. My suggestion is to let the US lease the naval base for a period of say 20 years in exchange to upgrading the entire AFP, from Air Force, to Navy and the Army. This is the most efficient, less to no cost to the PHL government. If they want, do a referendum to silence the left with their often misleading argument that the filipino people doesn't like the Americans stay in the country.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 06:11 PM

PHL government officials, particularly in Congress, should just be honest to themnselves. The PHL doesn't have the full capability to upgrade the country's defense in the short term. My suggestion is to let the US lease the naval base for a period of say 20 years in exchange to upgrading the entire AFP, from Air Force, to Navy and the Army. This is the most efficient, less to no cost to the PHL government. If they want, do a referendum to silence the left with their often misleading argument that the filipino people doesn't like the Americans stay in the country.

Alam mo naman ang machismong ugali ng mga yan :lol:

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 06:23 PM

DFA wants bigger US role in Asia-Pacific
By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) Updated July 03, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (1) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario agrees to a return of greater involvement by the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, especially now that Manila and Washington are strengthening bilateral relations.

During a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Mandarin Hotel in Makati City on Friday, Del Rosario said it is time that the US regain its strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“It can be applied for US attention. The attention of the US has not been in our region in the past. It was focused in the Middle East. We did not get much attention. We want considerable attention,” he said.

“Clearly before the US played a bigger role in Asia-Pacific. We want them to consider to assume this role again, simply that,” he added.

Del Rosario said the US, through 14 departments, is trying to help Philippine government offices to achieve broad-based economic growth as well as in the fulfillment of the country’s obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“The US itself is doing that now. We are also working on structural initiatives to raise the quality of bilateral relation with US to a higher level,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario recently visited the US on the invitation of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, to seek support for the South China Sea dispute.

During their meeting at the State Department on June 23, Clinton gave Del Rosario a strong statement of assurance that the US will honor its commitment to the Philippines under the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951.

The treaty states: “Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

The Philippine government also sought help in strengthening the capability of the Navy through the lease of patrol boats.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed readiness to strengthen the Philippines’ capability in securing its maritime territory during his meeting with Del Rosario at the Pentagon on June 24.

In a separate meeting with Del Rosario, US National Director for Intelligence James Clapper pledged to enhance the NDI’s intelligence sharing with the Philippines to heighten surveillance in the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario conveyed to US defense officials that to complement the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) which the US traditionally turns over to the Philippines, he is exploring an option to access newer US military assets.

US Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michelle Fluornoy promised to review the Philippines’ requirements for maritime security.

During the American Independence Day celebration at the US embassy in Manila on Friday, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. reiterated their support for the Philippines.

“Together, we harbor the same hope for the future of the Philippines that President Aquino shares with his nation, we marvel at the indomitable will and irrepressible spirit of the Filipino people, and we pledge to be an ally of the Filipino people long into the future. This is what it means to be American. And this is what it means to be a friend,” he added.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702155&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Christian_123

July 2nd, 2011, 07:02 PM

PHL government officials, particularly in Congress, should just be honest to themnselves. The PHL doesn't have the full capability to upgrade the country's defense in the short term. My suggestion is to let the US lease the naval base for a period of say 20 years in exchange to upgrading the entire AFP, from Air Force, to Navy and the Army. This is the most efficient, less to no cost to the PHL government. If they want, do a referendum to silence the left with their often misleading argument that the filipino people doesn't like the Americans stay in the country.

Diba yan ang ginawa ng US dati during the marcos era? We let the US lease our bases and in return, we got fighters and modern armaments.

I doubt it would happen again since there are alot of epal leftists today.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 07:13 PM

^^ The bases were before Marcos era, just a little correction

Though I agree that the left will try to stop it.

waraywaray architect

July 2nd, 2011, 07:55 PM

Diba yan ang ginawa ng US dati during the marcos era? We let the US lease our bases and in return, we got fighters and modern armaments.

I doubt it would happen again since there are alot of epal leftists today.

Their noises can be silenced by a referendum which is allowed in the PHL Constitution. Somebody in Congress just need to do this.

hokage

July 2nd, 2011, 09:10 PM

Diba yan ang ginawa ng US dati during the marcos era? We let the US lease our bases and in return, we got fighters and modern armaments.

I doubt it would happen again since there are alot of epal leftists today.
^^
The US gave independence to the RP thru the Tydings-McDuffie Act of '34 and the Treaty of Manila in '46 ceded the territory EXCEPT for the military bases which they retained control. The US was not obligated to pay for the bases but they chose to give aid to RP anyway.

Nabartek

July 2nd, 2011, 11:06 PM

US millions fund SSudan army; worries over abuses
(philstar.com) Updated July 03, 2011 04:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

JUBA (AP) — Only six years ago the Sudan People's Liberation Army was a ragtag group of guerrilla fighters battling a bloody civil war with Sudan's north. Next weekend, when the south breaks away and becomes the world's newest country, the SPLA becomes a national army.

The US is investing tens of millions of dollars into this fledgling military, one that is massing troops on the internal north-south border as tensions — and violence — with the north rise. SPLA troops are battling rebel militias in hotspots around the south, and fears of renewed war with the north remain high.

But international rights groups say those soldiers have been responsible for human rights abuses, including killings.

US Sen. Patrick Leahy, who sponsored a law that prohibits the US from giving assistance to foreign military units that violate human rights, says he is concerned about reports of abuses.

The State Department is giving nearly $100 million in yearly assistance to train and support the SPLA, and it says it is monitoring the behavior of the former guerrilla fighters.

But monitoring the 140,000-plus-member army of a developing nation the size of Texas is a nearly impossible task, opening the way for abuses.

In April, a 700-member battalion of SPLA Commandos — the most highly trained of the SPLA's fighters — fired indiscriminately on unarmed men, women and children during an attack on a rival ethnic group at a remote Nile River village in Jonglei state, killing or wounding hundreds of civilians, according to witness accounts in a confidential UN report.

After an inquiry from Congress, the State Department investigated and found that no US assistance is being given to the two commanders named in the UN report or to the commando unit as a whole. The State Department said it would exclude those involved from receiving future assistance until an investigation proves they were not involved in violations.

"The Leahy Law serves a vital purpose in seeking to ensure that US aid does not go to foreign military and police forces who commit heinous crimes," Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, told The Associated Press. "I am concerned with the reports of abuses by Southern Sudanese troops and expect the law to be applied vigorously and consistently."

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International on Thursday released a report that urged the new southern government to prosecute and prevent abuses by southern security forces.

The report noted that since the south's independence vote in January, "soldiers have been responsible for grave human rights abuses, including unlawful killings of civilians and looting and destruction of civilian property."

"The government needs to demonstrate its commitment to combat a growing culture of impunity for abuses by its security forces," Daniel Bekele, director of the Africa division of Human Rights Watch said. "It should make sure that rank-and-file soldiers and their officers, as well as the police service, know and understand their obligations, and are held accountable for violations."

Since Sudan's decades-long civil war ended in 2005 — a war in which some 2 million people died — the US government has given more money than any other to programs aimed at professionalizing the SPLA. According to research by the Open Society Foundations, the Obama administration is requesting nearly $160 million in assistance to the armed forces in Southern Sudan for fiscal year 2012.

Southern Sudan becomes a new country on July 9.

Sudan experts say a responsible and professional southern army will be essential to improving security in the vast and underdeveloped south, where basic principles of rule of law and justice have yet to be upheld and enforced by southern security forces.

Violence is high in the south already. According to the UN's latest statistics, local conflicts such as cattle-raiding and battles between rebel militias and the SPLA have claimed more than 1,800 lives this year.

The US assistance is to help the SPLA develop logistics, engineering abilities, medical, and command and control abilities. A State Department official who spoke on the condition of anonymity told AP by email that the support is intended to "transform" the SPLA "from a guerrilla force into a standing army under civilian control and respectful of international humanitarian law."

The official, who was not allowed to be quoted according to State Department rules, said that US-funded training "includes a component on respect for human rights and respect for rule of law."

The official confirmed that a current State Department contract to PAE, an American military contractor, provides provisions, salaries, and limited logistical support for Ethiopian forces who are training southern forces in a remote army training camp called New Kush, nestled in the Imatong Mountains on Southern Sudan's border with Uganda.

New Kush has proven to be a problem for UN human rights investigators, who have sought access to the camp for more than two years to follow up on allegations by community members living near the training camp that southern troops had taken young women from the nearby village as "wives" and that rape and other abuses were occurring inside the site.

Although UN staff from the mission's child protection unit were allowed to visit New Kush in February 2010 as part of a delegation led by the southern army's own child protection division, no independent investigations of the human rights conditions inside the camp have been conducted since the UN mission was established after the civil war ended in 2005.

Since 2006, the New Kush camp has been used for training the SPLA's special forces — or Commando units, the same forces involved in the Jonglei civilian deaths. Both international trainers, Western contractors and consultants, and Ethiopian troops — all funded through State Department programs — have worked at New Kush.

The State Department official told the AP on Thursday that the "commando training conducted by the Ethiopians focuses on professional military tactics and specialized skills."

But the SPLA has a lot of growing up to do as the world's youngest national military. In a report last November by the Small Arms Survey and authored by Richard Rands, whose own British company Burton Rands previously was subcontracted through US-funded PAE contracts, the author concluded that an "overarching strategy" for the long-term transformation of the SPLA from a guerrilla movement to a conventional army "has not yet emerged."

Rands wrote that "diplomatic pressure and international support and advice" will be needed to urge the army to conduct its own strategic review after independence and then to develop a "coherent defense strategy."

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702285&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 04:41 AM

US slams Gaddafi threat to attack Europe
07/03/2011 | 07:10 AM
MADRID/TRIPOLI — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stepped up Western calls on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to quit, brushing off his threat to attack Europeans in their homes and offices.

"Instead of issuing threats, Gaddafi should put the well-being and the interests of his own people first and he should step down from power and help facilitate a democratic transition," Clinton told reporters on a trip to Spain.

In an address relayed to some 100,000 supporters in Tripoli's Green Square on Friday, Gaddafi urged NATO to halt its bombing campaign or risk seeing Libyan fighters descend on Europe "like a swarm of locusts or bees".

"Retreat, you have no chance of beating this brave people," Gaddafi said.

"They can attack your homes, your offices and your families, which will become military targets just as you have transformed our offices, headquarters, houses and children into what you regard as legitimate military targets," he said.

NATO announced it had stepped up strikes on Gaddafi forces in west Libya including the capital Tripoli, saying it had carried out more than 50 attacks since Monday.

Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez said the alliance stance was unchanged.

"Spain's and the international coalition's response is to maintain the unity and determination with which we have been working these past months," she said.

Libyan rebels who had advanced to within 80 km (50 miles) of the capital were stopped in their tracks on Friday by a barrage of rocket fire from government forces, underlining the dogged resistance of Gaddafi troops to a five-month revolt.

"(It) was obviously a strategic withdrawal because of the battlefield situation and the amount of bombardment that the revolutionary forces were receiving," said rebel spokesman Ahmed Bani. "But we hope to counter that within the next 48 hours."

In Tripoli, a senior source in Gaddafi's government said there was reliable intelligence indicating the rebels were planning to attack oil export terminals in the eastern towns of Brega and Ras Lanuf.

"The Libyan government will do whatever (possible) to prevent such attacks," the source, who did not want to be identified, told Reuters.

"It urges international oil companies as well as international insurance companies to put pressure on their governments to force the rebels, who are supported by NATO, to stop their destructive operations,"

Helicopter attacks

Coalition military officials refuse to characterize the situation on the ground as a stalemate after a 104-day bombing campaign that has strained alliance firepower and tested unity, with internal divisions over strategy surfacing.

Analysts say part of NATO's strategy is to use the attacks to hinder efforts by authorities to put down any future uprising in Tripoli.

Britain's Defense Ministry said Apache helicopters hit three tanks and a bunker firing position in an attack on an army camp west of Tripoli late on Friday. Libyan state TV said NATO also bombed the central Al-Jufrah region on Saturday.

A document seen by Reuters showed African Union leaders had agreed on Friday that member states would not execute the arrest warrant for Gaddafi, leaving open the possibility that he could go into exile in one of the African Union's 53 nations.

The grouping also offered to host talks on a ceasefire and a transition to democratic government, but did not call on Gaddafi to step down and left open whether he had a future role.

Mansour Sayf al Nasr, the rebels' representative in France, told reporters at the summit in Equatorial Guinea: "We understood that the spirit of the document is that Gaddafi will not have a role to play in the future of Libya."

Abdel-Hafiz Ghoga, vice president of the Benghazi-based rebel council, told Reuters:

"We reject the African Union proposal because it includes nothing concerning our demands. We are only demanding one thing: Gaddafi's resignation ... We can gain freedom and democracy only if Gaddafi steps down.

"I think we can obtain freedom only through military operations and we will be able to do this."

In Tripoli, government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim did not comment on whether any AU-hosted negotiations should start on the assumption that Gaddafi would step down, saying only: "We have been saying for months that we will have talks with all parties." — Reuters

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225146/world/us-slams-gaddafi-threat-to-attack-europe

To be fair, ng tibay niya rin :lol:

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 04:48 AM

This should be good news

PH rules out joint exploration in disputed Reed Bank
Reuters
Posted at 07/01/2011 8:10 PM | Updated as of 07/01/2011 10:25 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The government on Friday ruled out any more joint exploration with other claimant countries in the Reed Bank in the South China Sea, an area believed to have huge oil and gas deposits.

"The Reed Bank is not part of the Spratlys," Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters, referring to a disputed group of islands in the South China Sea.

"What is ours is ours," del Rosario said, adding that the Reed Bank, about 80 nautical miles west of southwestern Palawan province, was within the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

The Spratlys, also considered a rich fishing ground, are claimed entirely by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam and in part by Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

Tension has risen in the area in recent weeks. Many Southeast Asian countries see an uptick in China's maritime activities as a sign Beijing is becoming increasingly assertive in pressing its claims.

Del Rosario is expected to discuss Manila's concerns during a trip to Beijing next week. He said China had intruded into Philippine territory seven to nine times since February.

The Philippines has been pushing for the peaceful settlement of overlapping claims in the South China Sea through a multilateral approach that won the support of the United States, which offered substantial military aid to enhance Manila's external defence capability.

Manila will get a reconditioned warship from Washington next month and plans to lease newer patrol vessels.

Del Rosario does not believe the tension in the disputed waters will lead to a war, saying claimant-states have diplomatic tools to avert a conflict.

Still, he said the launch of China's first aircraft carrier, which is expected soon, would bring "a new dimension" to the dispute.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/07/01/11/ph-rules-out-joint-exploration-disputed-reed-bank

jas7

July 3rd, 2011, 04:52 AM

Maybe, our AFP could study Korean Military History. For many dynasties, China has attempted to take over the Korean peninsula but never managed too

(Ironically, Japan was able to) :lol:

Korea was China's vassal state during the Ming dynasty.

jas7

July 3rd, 2011, 05:00 AM

^^^What they need its an inland earthquake with a magnitude of 30 on the scale to struck they're military installation and center of government. China is the most evil country in the world. 10 times worse then N. Korea, Iran and even Burma

What you need is a hydrogen bomb dropped by China in Philippine.

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 05:03 AM

May naligaw dito na PIKON

:lol:

Masmaganda yata na Tagalog nalang dito para may di umeepal na hindi pa alam na magspell ng tama ng pangalan ng bansa natin

:lol: :lol:

xxxriainxxx

July 3rd, 2011, 05:27 AM

What you need is a hydrogen bomb dropped by China in Philippine.

We will tie you to the bomb first. Idiot. China is a thief.

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 05:29 AM

We will tie you to the bomb first. Idiot. China is a thief.

iactivate natin yung mga bomba nila para sumabog sila. :lol:

xxxriainxxx

July 3rd, 2011, 05:35 AM

iactivate natin yung mga bomba nila para sumabog sila. :lol:

If China is such a great country then he should stay in China and not stain a beautiful, FREE country like Canada with dirt like him.

xxxriainxxx

July 3rd, 2011, 05:37 AM

Do not forget the invasion of Tibet.

http://www.freetibet.org/files/image/pictures/photo21.jpg

Kirti Monastery deaths. Killed by the Chinese invaders.

Source: http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/photos-kirti-monastery-discretion-advised

diz

July 3rd, 2011, 08:09 AM

http://www.bhs.cc/forum/Smileys/default/Troll_Alert_1a.gif

^^^What they need its an inland earthquake with a magnitude of 30 on the scale to struck they're military installation and center of government. China is the most evil country in the world. 10 times worse then N. Korea, Iran and even Burma

Do you honestly believe what you're saying though? Really? Their people must really be suffering from the bullet train speeds and awe of massive skyscrapers. I guess i really shouldn't believe what my foreign exchange student friend from Shanghai says about how nice China actually is.

What have you learned in school exactly?

LuckyLady

July 3rd, 2011, 08:53 AM

guys wag nyo na pansinin yan para di ma close thread natin...tayo pa rin kasi matatalo gusto ng bwisit na tsikom na yan mapatahimik tayo. walang mabasa na mga di magaganda tungkol sa kanila yung buong daigdig na hindi natin dapat hayaan mangyari...

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 08:58 AM

^^ Suhesshon lang...parang masmaganda ata kung local language gagamitin din (puede rin bekimon :lol:) para wala sila maintindihan :lol:

leofriends

July 3rd, 2011, 09:15 AM

What you need is a hydrogen bomb dropped by China in Philippine.

WTF?? :lol:

Simple Dude

July 3rd, 2011, 09:32 AM

What you need is a hydrogen bomb dropped by China in Philippine.

^^ :stupid:

kenken94

July 3rd, 2011, 09:34 AM

^^ :D :D :D :D :D

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 09:37 AM

Walang bansang "Philippine" di ba? :lol: :lol:

kenken94

July 3rd, 2011, 10:03 AM

^^ Bansa wala pero kung place lang, there is one named 'Philippine' in the Netherlands. :D :D :D

Baka 'dun yung gusto niyang bombahin ng China. Ang 'Philippine' sa Netherlands. :D :D :D

Ganyan ang nangyayari kapag ume-epal masyado. Di na minsan alam kung anong pinagsasabi. Wag na'ng ipakita ang ibang ugali pag nasa teritoryo ng iba. Di mo alam kung anong aabutin mo. hahaha! :lol::lol::lol:

Mag-'Pilipino' nalang kasi tayo para peace. hahah! :lol::lol::lol:

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 10:05 AM

^^
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine,_Netherlands

Maling thread napuntahan. Ano kaya away niya sa Netherlands? :lol:

kenken94

July 3rd, 2011, 10:11 AM

^^ Sana dun sa European Forums niya yan pinost. Baka pati ang Philippines nga Asia ay gusto na niya ring idamay. Wag naman sana, may China pa tayong paiiyakin sa pikon. hahah!

I just realized how PHL can bully China in a way na, ang Pinoy ang magaling. Sa chismis, hahah!

LuckyLady

July 3rd, 2011, 10:16 AM

di rin pede kasi di rin mabasa ng buong daigdig pag nag tagalog lang tayo, parang pareho rin yon napatahimik nila tayo...dedmahin na lang...tapos yung mga mura sa mga unggoy i bekimon na lang, he he

^^ Suhesshon lang...parang masmaganda ata kung local language gagamitin din (puede rin bekimon :lol:) para wala sila maintindihan :lol:

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 10:17 AM

^^ Jejemon?

I'd go for the "secret code" called "bekimon"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP9Jn8ZgmbY

:lol:

LuckyLady

July 3rd, 2011, 10:20 AM

^^ Jejemon?

I'd go for the "secret code" called "bekimon"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP9Jn8ZgmbY

:lol:

na edit ko post ko....

nakakatawa:lol: medyo hirap ako dyan sa bekimon ah:lol:

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 10:22 AM

I just found one with subs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDuzkWxEliY&feature=related

kenken94

July 3rd, 2011, 10:27 AM

So ano? Bekimon o Jejemon? ejejeje....... :D :D :D

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 10:56 AM

Naabot din pala ito sa US forums...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1405280

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 11:37 AM

This is sad....

US war vets rely on alms to keep PHL graves
(philstar.com) Updated July 03, 2011 05:00 PM Comments (1) View comments

CLARK, Philippines (AP) — Walking along the rows of tombstones here offers a glimpse of the wars America has fought and the men and women who waged them. But most of the grave markers have been half-buried for 20 years, and there is little hope that the volcanic ash obscuring names, dates and epitaphs will be cleared any time soon.

Clark Veterans Cemetery was consigned to oblivion in 1991, when Mount Pinatubo's gigantic eruption forced the US to abandon the sprawling air base surrounding it. Retired US soldiers, Marines and sailors volunteer to keep watch, relying on donations to try to maintain the grounds, but they lament that they're helplessly short on funds to fix things, and that Washington is unwilling to help.

"It's the veterans' cemetery that America forgot," Vietnam War veteran and ex-Navy officer Robert Chesko said.

Workers at the cemetery north of Manila recently dug to fully expose a gravestone for an Army sergeant who died in World War II in the Philippines. They discovered his wife's name engraved under his and a long-hidden tribute: "Daughter, sister, wife and mother of veterans."

It's impossible to say what else remains hidden at the seven-hectare cemetery. It holds the remains of 8,600 people, including 2,200 American veterans and nearly 700 allied Philippine Scouts who saw battle in conflicts from the early 1900s to the resistance against brutal Japanese occupation troops in WWII.

Clark's dead also include military dependents, civilians who worked for the US wartime government and at least 2,139 mostly unidentified soldiers whose marble tombstones are labeled "Unknown."

As America marks Independence Day, the veterans caring for the cemetery renewed their calls for Washington to fund and take charge of the work.

"People celebrate on the Fourth of July but they forgot the 8,600 who helped make that freedom happen," said former Navy Capt. Dennis Wright, who saw action in Vietnam and is now a business executive.

"We're trying to get the US government to assume responsibility for maintaining the cemetery so we can get it up to standards ... not on nickels and dimes and donations and gifts," said retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Larry Heilhecker, who served as cemetery caretaker for five years until last month.

Clark was a US base for nearly a century, and was once the largest American Air Force installation off the US mainland. It served as a key staging area for US forces during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

The Clark cemetery, which can accommodate at least 12,000 remains, was developed between 1947 and 1950, when it was used to collect the remains and tombstones from four US military cemeteries as American officials sorted out their dead from WWII and previous wars.

An American cemetery at the then Fort McKinley in Manila became the exclusive burial ground for all Americans and allied Philippine Scouts who were killed in WWII combat. The 61-hectare Manila cemetery collected 17,202 dead, the largest number of American casualties interred in one place from the last world war.

Now closed to burials, the stunningly landscaped Manila cemetery became one of 24 American burial grounds outside the US mainland. Nearly 125,000 Americans who perished in WWI and WWII and the Mexican War are interred in those US-funded overseas cemeteries, regarded as among the most beautiful war memorials in the world. The overseas burial sites are administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission, or ABMC.

The dead at Clark are not limited to World War II casualties — they date as far back as 1903. Also unlike the Manila cemetery, it continues to accept burials. One US veteran who lives in the area had his son buried here after he was killed in Iraq in 2005. But Clark is not administered by the ABMC.

The Air Force managed Clark cemetery from 1947 to 1991, when it abruptly left after nearby Pinatubo roared back to life from a 500-year slumber. Even before the eruption, negotiations with the Philippine government for a new US military lease on Clark had bogged down after nearly a century of presence in the Philippines, according to the veterans.

Philippine authorities failed to look after the cemetery. In 1994, American veterans were shocked to find it had become an ash-covered jungle of weeds, overgrown grass and debris. Half of its old steel fence had been looted.

Today, a pair of US and Philippine flags flutter in the wind over the graves. A recently restored marble obelisk, pockmarked by World War II gun and artillery fire, venerates the unknown dead. A small sign at a new steel gate ushers in visitors with a tribute to the war dead: "Served with honor."

All the improvements came from donations. Wright's company spent $90,000 to construct a new concrete and steel fence and a parking lot and make other improvements. An old veteran, confined to a nursing home in Florida, sent one dollar in a touching act, Heilhecker said.

Still, the Clark gravesites look forlorn compared to the American cemetery in Manila.

A US government decision to take control of the Clark cemetery could shed light on the fate of still-missing Americans, Wright said, citing the case of a US Army Staff Sgt. Hershel Lee Covey, whose name is on a Clark cemetery tombstone that declared him as having died on July 17, 1942 in the Philippines.

A check by The Associated Press showed ABMC lists Covey as "missing in action or buried at sea."

Dashing the hopes of the American veterans, the ABMC and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which manages 131 US mainland cemeteries through an agency, both said Clark was outside their mandate.

"Whether the US government should take on responsibility for maintaining such a foreign, private cemetery is a veterans' benefits issue outside the scope of our authority," ABMC public affairs director Michael Conley told the AP in an e-mailed reply to questions.

US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas, who has visited the Clark cemetery twice, praised the American veterans for looking after the burial grounds, which he said volunteer embassy staff and visiting US sailors have helped clean up. But he said the US Congress only appropriates funds for official cemeteries overseas through the ABMC, Thomas said.

Philippine officials have authorized an American veterans' group led by Chesko to manage the Clark cemetery up to 2030, and have said they are open to allowing any US agency to manage it.

"Without them, we wouldn't have this freedom now," said Felipe Antonio Remollo, president of the state-run Clark Development Corp., which oversees the former base, now a industrial and commercial hub.

Once developed and possibly turned into a war memorial, the cemetery could draw in tourists, Remollo said.

Clark's elderly veterans, some of whom become teary-eyed when reminiscing days with fallen comrades, worry about who will look after the cemetery as their ranks dwindle. Two passed away and were buried last week.

"We're getting old. We can feel it in our bones, you know, in mind and everything," said 65-year-old Chesko. He has wondered whether fallen soldiers' sacrifices still matter to young Americans.

"What bothers me sometimes is, will they still remember?" Chesko said.

The new cemetery caretaker, John Gilbert, said the veterans were not trying to pass the responsibility.

"We're proud to do it, don't get me wrong, but we do not have the resources to do it," said Gilbert. They would have no choice if Washington ignores their pleas, he said.

"We are not ready to let this cemetery be taken back by the jungle," he said. "If we have to do it ourselves, we will do it."

"We don't leave our brothers behind."

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702296&publicationSubCategoryId=200

I wonder if the Phil government could be allowed at least spare some "barya"? Majority of the people buried here died defending the country in ww2 after all, despite them not being "brown".

pi_malejana

July 3rd, 2011, 11:41 AM

cool vid of S211s flying in formation...

sana next time, iba na ang eroplanong makita natin, F16 na...:D

DsCQb-g7BOM

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 11:54 AM

Australia military may scrap all gender barriers
(philstar.com) Updated July 03, 2011 03:00 PM Comments (0) View comments

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Women fight for militaries around the world but rarely if ever are allowed to take the jobs most closely associated with soldiering — those focused on ground combat in close quarters and even hand to hand. That may be about to change in Australia.

A policy overhaul to be decided by Cabinet within weeks would remove all gender barriers from the military next year, arguably making the Australian Defense Force the world's leader on gender equality.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the first woman to lead Australia, and Defense Minister Stephen Smith are among those calling for the change. Smith has said that "what you do in the forces should be determined by your physical and intellectual capability or capacity, not simply on the basis of sex."

Questions remain, however, about whether troops and the public are ready for women to serve in combat roles. An influential security think-tank warns that it could inflict heavy casualties on Australia's women warriors.

If Australia's Cabinet supports the policy change it would be in place by the end of 2012. That could give Australian women a chance to qualify for infantry roles in Afghanistan before 2014, when the country plans to withdraw its 1,550 troops.

Gender boundaries have been steadily retreating in Australian defense services for years.

The government announced last month that women sailors will be allowed to bunk with men in submarines. Previously women had to sleep in female-only six-berth cabins. The shift will enable more women to fill a shortage of submariners by allowing more flexibility in assigning crews.

Australian women also can pilot attack helicopters and fighter jets. The positions closed off to them are mostly in the army, and include infantry, parachute, commando, special air services, artillery, tank and armored cavalry.

Australia's current policy on women in the military is similar to those of other countries in Afghanistan, including the United States, Britain, Canada and New Zealand. None allow women in roles where their primary function is to fight enemies at close range, though women are trained to be combat-ready and can potentially find themselves in such gunfights.

Even Israel, which drafts both men and women and is often cited as an example of gender equality in the military, does not allow women to serve in front line ground units such as infantry, armor or special forces.

The Australian government announced its commitment to removing gender barriers after a sex scandal broke at the officers' academy in April. A female cadet accused a male cadet of secretly filming the pair having sex and showing it two his friends via the internet. Two male cadets were charged by police over the incident.

Critics say the government overreacted by ordering six inquiries into issues including the scandal, the treatment of women in the academy and career pathways for women in defense.

Australian defense officials are devising a series of tests to determine whether an individual soldier is physically capable of coping with combat conditions regardless of gender.

The current combat fitness test includes climbing a 16-foot (5-meter) rope twice without touching the ground while carrying a rifle and wearing a helmet. A soldier wearing a helmet also must carry a soldier similarly dressed over his shoulder while carrying both their weapons 160 yards (150 meters).

There has been no suggestion that those requirements could be reduced, but Neil James, executive director of the Australian Defense Association, said that overseas experience shows that less than 3 percent of women soldiers would be able to pass them. Women most often fail on the rope climbing because it requires considerable upper body strength, he said.

The association, a respected security think-tank, said there are biomechanical differences between the sexes — differences in muscle distribution, centers of gravity and rate of recovery from physical exertion — that make even physically strong women more vulnerable in combat.

In peacetime training exercises, Australian women soldiers are at least five times more likely than men to be incapacitated by injuries to backs, knees and ankles because of biomechanical differences in load-bearing abilities, the ADA said, citing Defense Department records.

"For a range of operational, moral and occupational health and safety reasons, it would not be fair to our female soldiers to expect them to fight male soldiers continually in a person-to-person physical sense," the ADA said in a recent issue paper.

The ADA compared combat roles to the sports world. It said there were no serious calls for women to be included in top-tier football teams, for instance, and noted that battlefields are tougher environments.

Eva Cox, spokeswoman for the feminist lobby group Women's Electoral Lobby, dismissed the ADA arguments as "a lot of rubbish."

"To decide that women can't do something because they're women and men can't do something because they're men is just ridiculous," Cox said.

"The basis of the decision should be your physical capacity to meet certain criteria, not whether you've got particular chromosomes," she added.

Cox believes that Australian society now supports eliminating gender barriers, even in the army, though media commentators have been split on the subject.

Even without serving in the same intense combat roles, Australian women returning from overseas deployments have been referred for mental health treatment at double the rate of their male comrades, a recent Defense Department study found.

The military has been publicly supportive of the new regime to test combat readiness, but not all soldiers are keen on the idea of women serving in such roles as the infantry.

Army Cpl. Stuart Heeney wrote in a letter to "The Soldiers' Army" newspaper recently that women should remain barred from infantry units because "it will change the dynamic due to human nature."

"Blokes will be more interested in impressing women than focusing on their job," he wrote.

The almost 8,000 women in Australia's army, navy and air force account for less than 14 percent of total troop numbers and commanders are keen to recruit more.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702293&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 12:00 PM

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 12:03 PM

Dumagdag sa SK sa sakit ng ulo ng China :lol:

S. Korea to submit claim on East China Sea shelf to UN — media
07/03/2011 | 04:17 PM
SEOUL - South Korea will submit a claim to an extended portion of seabed beyond its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the East China Sea to a United Nations body this year, media reported on Sunday, a move that could rekindle territorial disputes with China and Japan.

The South Korean government will submit an official document to claim the extended EEZ portion to the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) by the end of this year, the Yonhap News Agency quoted an unidentified government official as saying.

"In order to submit an official document to the U.N. CLCS, the government is reviewing and processing related data," the official was quoted by Yonhap as saying.

In the document, Seoul is expected to claim that the Korean Peninsula's naturally extended continental shelf stretches to the Okinawa Trough in the East China Sea. It means the country's statutory EEZ stretches beyond the 200 nautical miles.

The disputed area in the East China Sea is believed to contain natural gas and oil deposits.

The government official was quoted as saying the formal claim to the U.N. commission this time is likely to prompt Beijing and Tokyo to take similar steps, reigniting fierce disputes among the Asian neighbors.

Comments from government officials were not immediately available.

In 2009, South Korea lodged a similar claim, not in an official form but in a preliminary information submission with the U.N commission, a panel created under the U.N. Law of the Sea treaty to review and certify the legitimacy of such sea territorial claims.

China has claimed on the Okinawa Trough, arguing the trough is part of its natural continental shelf extension.

South Korea is scheduled to hold working-level meetings with China and Japan, separately, to discuss issues on the sea border demarcation later this year. - Reuters

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225167/world/s-korea-to-submit-claim-on-east-china-sea-shelf-to-un-media

LuckyLady

July 3rd, 2011, 12:10 PM

ayan na, ang gahaman kasi ng mga tsikom na yan, tuloy nag aagawan na lahat... they really are the culprits in triggering the arms race in asia and put the diplomatic relations in stalemate.

so we have no choice but to upgrade and modernize our military in the fastest way we can...di na pedeng apak apakan na lang tayo lagi or di kaya takbo kay uncle sam pag kelangan ng tulong.

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 12:14 PM

^^ Kung di magtino ang China baka igang up talaga yan ng neighbors. Sumawsaw na ang SK... Vietnam, Philippines, India, Japan, SK....halos mga kapit bahay :lol:

diz

July 3rd, 2011, 12:18 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol:

The US Navy also assured the public it will hold its officers accountable for any violation that will tarnish the Navy’s name

If it's regarding US forces knocking up foreign women.. then that name's been tarnished for over a century now.

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 12:23 PM

I thought it was a funny "report"... like it is something new. Duh.

LuckyLady

July 3rd, 2011, 12:30 PM

^^ Kung di magtino ang China baka igang up talaga yan ng neighbors. Sumawsaw na ang SK... Vietnam, Philippines, India, Japan, SK....halos mga kapit bahay :lol:

sana nga ganyan gawin ng mga asian countries kaso lang parang malabo rin pero pag naipit who knows, di ba?

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 12:36 PM

Even a small dog will fight a bigger opponent when threatened. :D

xxxriainxxx

July 3rd, 2011, 01:24 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol:

US troops in Palawan get free condoms for ‘adult activities’
07/03/2011 | 05:13 PM
Spending leisure time in Palawan amid joint exercises with the Philippine Navy, United States Navy officers have received free condoms for “responsible adult activities," GMA News’ “Balitanghali" newscast reported Sunday.

“If people decide to engage in adult relationships, then we want them to do that in a safe and responsible manner," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Morley, US Navy spokesperson for the military exercises, in an interview aired on “Balitanghali."

The US Navy also assured the public it will hold its officers accountable for any violation that will tarnish the Navy’s name, “Balitanghali" reported. The troops are obliged to follow guidelines such as curfews, the newscast also said.

The US Navy is taking part in this year’s Philippine-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral exercises in Palawan.

Legitimizing joint military exercises, the Philippine-US Visiting Forces Agreement has been hounded by incidents of abuse – of which one of the most prominent involved the alleged rape of Suzette Nicolas, also known as “Nicole," by US Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, in November 2005.

The case caught wide media coverage and achieved political and international significance, prompting several Filipino lawmakers to call for the abrogation of the VFA, which had been the subject of protests from the beginning. - Paterno Esmaquel II/KBK, GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225173/regions/us-troops-in-palawan-get-free-condoms-for-adult-activities

Sorry, I still don't believe the Nicole case. Pakana na naman yang ng mga makakaliwa ang mga balitang kagaya nito.

Dumagdag sa SK sa sakit ng ulo ng China :lol:

S. Korea to submit claim on East China Sea shelf to UN — media
07/03/2011 | 04:17 PM
SEOUL - South Korea will submit a claim to an extended portion of seabed beyond its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the East China Sea to a United Nations body this year, media reported on Sunday, a move that could rekindle territorial disputes with China and Japan.

The South Korean government will submit an official document to claim the extended EEZ portion to the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) by the end of this year, the Yonhap News Agency quoted an unidentified government official as saying.

"In order to submit an official document to the U.N. CLCS, the government is reviewing and processing related data," the official was quoted by Yonhap as saying.

In the document, Seoul is expected to claim that the Korean Peninsula's naturally extended continental shelf stretches to the Okinawa Trough in the East China Sea. It means the country's statutory EEZ stretches beyond the 200 nautical miles.

The disputed area in the East China Sea is believed to contain natural gas and oil deposits.

The government official was quoted as saying the formal claim to the U.N. commission this time is likely to prompt Beijing and Tokyo to take similar steps, reigniting fierce disputes among the Asian neighbors.

Comments from government officials were not immediately available.

In 2009, South Korea lodged a similar claim, not in an official form but in a preliminary information submission with the U.N commission, a panel created under the U.N. Law of the Sea treaty to review and certify the legitimacy of such sea territorial claims.

China has claimed on the Okinawa Trough, arguing the trough is part of its natural continental shelf extension.

South Korea is scheduled to hold working-level meetings with China and Japan, separately, to discuss issues on the sea border demarcation later this year. - Reuters

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225167/world/s-korea-to-submit-claim-on-east-china-sea-shelf-to-un-media

AHAHAHAHA. Sawsaw pati mga Koreano, labo labo na!

ayan na, ang gahaman kasi ng mga tsikom na yan, tuloy nag aagawan na lahat... they really are the culprits in triggering the arms race in asia and put the diplomatic relations in stalemate.

so we have no choice but to upgrade and modernize our military in the fastest way we can...di na pedeng apak apakan na lang tayo lagi or di kaya takbo kay uncle sam pag kelangan ng tulong.

Tumama ka ulit mare. :cheers::cheers:

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 01:28 PM

^^ Kulang nalang magfile tungkol sa land border dispute ang Russia at Mongolia and viola, all neighbors hostile (unless I missed some folks) :lol:

Natawa lang ako sa "give away" na condom write up kaya ko pinost :lol:

xxxriainxxx

July 3rd, 2011, 01:30 PM

Nabartek

July 3rd, 2011, 01:36 PM

I was unsure if I were to add Bhutan as they neither recognize ROC or PRC...

I think it was Nepal that I forgot, but I haven't read any skirmish with China...makahanap nga :lol:

spearhead

July 3rd, 2011, 01:57 PM

^^S.Korea used to be a member of SEATO, so beware china, they're playing too much fires in one place. BTW, last thing i heard, 60% of US submarine fleet are now deployed around the pacific and in or nearby philippine sea, more warships are now being repositioned towards china just in case they make that one mistake then everyone will pounce on chinese mainland.

Spratlys arms race heats up; AFP to buy six fighter jets
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideN...x&d=2011/july/2

by Florante S. Solmerin

THE military plans to acquire six jet fighters for interdiction missions against intruders into Philippine waters and air space, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday.

“We’re giving so much priority to our internal security operations, but lately the equation has shifted because we realize we’ve also to assess our external defense capability,” Gazmin told reporters at the sidelines of the Air Force’s 64th anniversary celebrations.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. said senior military officials had recommended an initial six multi-role planes to be acquired within the term of President Benigno Aquino III.

He said the Air Force was looking at either Korea’s TA-50 Golden Eagle or Italy’s M-346, and depending on their arms and in-flight instrumentation would cost about P1 billion each.

The Air Force retired its last seven F5 fighter jets in 2005 after having been in service for 40 years.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, meanwhile, said President Aquino’s planned visit to China did not mean the Philippines was backing down from its assertions Chinese forces had been intruding on Philippine waters.

The Philippines claims that Chinese forces intruded at least nine times into Manila-claimed areas in the Spratly Islands since February, allegations that sparked an exchange of diplomatic protests and verbal jabs. Mr. Aquino has strongly criticized China, saying two weeks ago that his country would not be bullied by China in the disputed region.

The presidential trip would likely take place in late August or early September, Del Rosario said.

The Spratlys, a chain of barren, largely uninhabited islands, reefs and banks in the South China Sea, are claimed wholly by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and partly by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The islands are believed to be atop vast oil and gas deposits.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao has denied his government committed any intrusions, but acknowledged that Chinese vessels were exercising Beijing’s sovereign rights in one incident at the Reed Bank near the Spratlys. Philippine officials complained the Chinese vessels harassed a local oil exploration ship into leaving the Reed Bank in March.

Just before he traveled last week to Washington, Del Rosario said he was told that the military was verifying another foreign intrusion into the Spratlys area.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gave strong assurances that the US was committed to the defense of the Philippines, and would provide affordable weaponry amid mounting tensions in the Spratlys, Del Rosario said.

He said he separately gave US defense officials a list of equipment the Philippines needed to improve its capability to monitor foreign intrusions in its territorial waters near the Spratlys.

Clinton assured del Rosario that the US would honor its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines that calls on each country to help defend the other against an external attack by an aggressor in their territories or in the Pacific region, he said.

Del Rosario said he told US officials that if the Philippines received defense equipment, “we become a stronger ally for you.” With the Associated Press

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/koreas...ts-wings-04004/

http://www.koreaaero.com/english/business/t50_01.asp
http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/201...jets.html#links

spearhead

July 3rd, 2011, 01:59 PM

SIGNALS
Date Posted: 01-Jul-2011

Jane's Navy International

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines asks US for more second-hand naval assets

Jon Grevatt

The Philippines is pressing the United States to facilitate the procurement of additional naval vessels through the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme, the government has stated.

The move is intended to help recapitalise the Philippine Navy's (PN's) antiquated fleet - many of its ships were built during the Second World War - and secure the country's interests in the South China Sea in light of regional disputes with China.

The government said on 27 June that during a recent visit to Washington, DC, the Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario urged US defence officials to allow the Southeast Asian country to procure US naval assets through the EDA and other military aid mechanisms.

Del Rosario said: "[The Philippines is seeking] newer US military assets, which could be acquired quicker but through a deliberate selection and, which hopefully, are more cost-effective." Michèle Flournoy, undersecretary of defence for policy in the US Department of Defense (DoD), was quoted as saying that the US was prepared to "look into the full range of [the Philippines] requirements [for maritime security]".

The Philippines has acquired a range of military assets from the US under the EDA, which makes available to foreign countries US military equipment declared surplus to requirements by the DoD. Manila's most recent procurement through the EDA process was the purchase of five Bell UH-1H 'Huey' utility helicopters in 2010.

Under the US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) framework the PN also recently acquired a former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter. The PN is understood to be seeking a purchase of two additional Hamilton-class cutters through FMS. Patrol craft, transport vessels and auxiliary ships are other urgent requirements.

The Philippines is increasing efforts to procure such items in the face of growing tensions with China over disputed regions of the South China Sea, specifically around the resource-rich Spratly Islands. In early June the Philippines government made clear its intention to defend its interests in these waters be declaring that the South China Sea will now be referred to as the West Philippines Sea.

Manila is also looking to increase defence procurement. On 19 June the government proposed to grow spending for military procurement by 60 per cent to PHP40 billion (USD931 million) over the next five years.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

leofriends

July 3rd, 2011, 03:54 PM

Naabot din pala ito sa US forums...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1405280

as far im reading the thread.. likely Americans want bases on our country... and i will likely agree..:cheers: (basta daw may condom):lol:

Simple Dude

July 3rd, 2011, 07:05 PM

^^ F-18 (super hornet) sana bilhin nila :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Super_Hornet_on_flight_deck.jpg/800px-Super_Hornet_on_flight_deck.jpg

Lagot mga red ants dito,...

diz

July 3rd, 2011, 11:40 PM

Looking back though, the Philippines had every opprotunity to get a lot of US aid during the Cold War. Too bad they didn't threaten a communist takeover. We could have at least faked it! :D

gmaer

July 4th, 2011, 03:21 AM

^^ F-18 (super hornet) sana bilhin nila :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Super_Hornet_on_flight_deck.jpg/800px-Super_Hornet_on_flight_deck.jpg

Lagot mga red ants dito,...

It might also be 2nd hand F/A-18 Hornets...

Air Force to acquire 6 fighter jets to boost security operations (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701892&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated July 02, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Air Force will acquire at least six fighter jets within the term of President Aquino to enhance its capability in conducting security operations, officials said yesterday.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin noted that fighter jets are essential in the military’s interdiction operations or intercepting enemy forces.

“These are important. The fighter planes are for interdiction. Within the term of the President we will have them,” Gazmin said in a press briefing at the Air Force headquarters in Pasay City.

Gazmin said acquiring fighter jets within the next five years is a realistic goal.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. said the initial plan was to acquire six fighter jets but he declined to state what type of aircraft would be purchased. Officials did not say if the jets to be acquired are brand new or refurbished ones.

The Air Force welcomed the development, saying this would boost its capability to perform its mandate.

“That would mean that we are going to breach our capability... That is definitely a very welcome development not only for the air force but for everybody as well. We will be able to address a lot of issues,” Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said.

Okol said the Air Force last flew a fighter jet in 2001. He said the Air Force’s last fighter jet was formally decommissioned in 2005. At present, there are no fighter jets in the Air Force’s inventory.

Okol, a member of Philippine Military Academy class ’92, said members of his batch were the last pilots to experience flying a fighter jet.

“We are looking (at acquiring jets) with multi-capability. It should be a multi-capability aircraft. It can also perform other missions like maritime patrol, limited interceptions,” he said.

Okol said the baseline cost of a fighter jet ranges from $23 million to $40 million depending on the type of aircraft. He said some types of jets cost as much as $100 million per unit.

Earlier, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the government would implement a P40-billion military modernization project over the next five years starting in 2012.

He said the government would allot P8 billion annually over the next five years for the Armed Forces’ modernization program.

The P8-billion annual funding for 2012 to 2016 is higher than the current modernization budget being allotted to the armed forces, which stands at P5 billion.

The Air Force will get P14 billion of the P40-billion outlay and is planning to acquire radars and aircraft to improve its patrolling capabilities. Other items to be purchased are air defense surveillance radars, surface attack aircraft, and combat utility helicopters.

Meanwhile, the Air Force yesterday renewed its commitment to fast-track its modernization efforts during the celebration of its 64th anniversary in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena said they would continue to defend the country’s territorial air space despite their limited equipment.

Gazmin, for his part, admitted that the Air Force’s assets are aging and dwindling.

“It (deterioration of equipment) left our air skippers with very few, obsolete and unsafe wings. Such is the sad state of our Air Force,” Gazmin said.

“We are now louder and clearer in our desire to modernize,” he added.

The Air Force expects to implement four projects worth P3.7 billion this year. These are the upgrade of an MD520MG helicopter, the purchase of basic trainer aircraft, combat utility helicopters and an aerial camera.

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 04:02 AM

Naisara yung phil related thread sa NA skybar, magrereply sana ako sa mga twisted facts pero nalock na kasi gumamit ng politically incorrect word si architect. Oh well...

kenken94

July 4th, 2011, 04:26 AM

^^ It's China against the rest of East Asia. hahah! Let's see how this gets exciting. ;)

coldfire083

July 4th, 2011, 04:40 AM

Use Malampaya fund to boost AFP strength

A ranking leader of the House of Representatives yesterday proposed using the P77.187 billion unused Malampaya income to modernize the ill-equipped Armed Forces to boost the country’s defense in the West Philippine Sea following China’s aggression in the Spratly Group of Islands.

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said the money could also be used to uplift the standard of the education system and help farmers.

“If some P77.2 billion in Malampaya funds had been lying around for eight years, as COA has recently discovered, then why not use a portion of this as modernization fund for our ill-equipped military? A part of it can be the new AFP Modernization Fund. The battle cry should be use Malampaya to re-energize our AFP,” said Angara.

“With its size, Malampaya fund can also fuel agriculture and education modernization, making it a multipurpose fund,” Angara added.

Based on a Commission on Audit report, the Department of Energy has P77.187 billion in its coffers under the Special Fund for the Malampaya Natural Gas Project in Palawan.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/national/8650-use-malampaya-fund-to-boost-afp-strength

Deus Ex

July 4th, 2011, 05:06 AM

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1405280
(http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1405280)
Check out Oliver999's posts. LOLOLOLOL.

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 05:07 AM

^^ Baka agent the commie mainland na dinispatcha para magkalat ng kasinungalingan :lol:

Sayang, nasara yung thread

Alinghi

July 4th, 2011, 05:14 AM

ang gulo talaga ng PAF, 1st it was F-18 and MiG-29, and now they want TA-50 and M-346

i hope what they're talking about are jet trainers (latter), and not MRF's (former)

Toymatz

July 4th, 2011, 05:16 AM

What you need is a hydrogen bomb dropped by China in Philippine.

Sira ulo to a!:bash::bash::bash:

Deus Ex

July 4th, 2011, 05:46 AM

^^ Baka agent the commie mainland na dinispatcha para magkalat ng kasinungalingan :lol:

Sayang, nasara yung thread

OT:IT surprises me that Oliver999 wasn't banned for his provocation. If Waraywaray architech was banned for answering Oliver999's BS, why wasn't Oliver999 banned for provoking in the first place?

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 06:07 AM

^^ Yung sa word na C ata yung nabigdeal sa mod. Still, I don't think that should be the sole reason for closing the thread.

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 06:09 AM

'Super force' vs terror underway
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated May 08, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are forming a joint “super force” to address and fight terrorism and other forms of traditional internal security threats in the country.

To involve all military and police operational units from the highest to the lowest command level, the super force will be jointly headed by AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. and PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, with the AFP deputy chief of staff for operations (J3) and the chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations (DO) at the helm of the joint military and police endeavors.

President Aquino recently ordered the leadership of the AFP and PNP to harmonize and integrate all their efforts in the anti-criminality, anti-terrorism, anti-insurgency campaigns.

“The order came from the President for us (the PNP and AFP) to put together men and resources in addressing traditional threats and the terror menace,” said Director Leocadio Santiago, chief of PNP directorate for operations.

Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said the creation of the super force is aimed at integrating all police and military endeavors and to ensure interoperability between the two forces.

This means that all military and police operational units - from area commands and its counterparts - would combine their efforts to neutralize traditional threats to national security as well as terror groups.

Mabanta said the super force will be operating under the AFP-PNP Joint Peace Security Coordinating Council (PSCC), a strategy crafted to inter-operationalize all military and police functions in the May 2010 presidential elections.

Santiago said the super force, once in operation, would immediately buckle down to work and prioritize its efforts against terror threats anywhere in the country as well as the mounting incidences of kidnappings, specifically in Cotabato City, Marawi City and Jolo, Sulu.

AFP to Abu Sayyaf: You can run but you can’t hide

Meanwhile, the military warned the Abu Sayyaf and its Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) cohorts hiding in the country to surrender or be neutralized, as their hiding place is “getting smaller.”

The military said they were reviving the intense information campaign on the reward system for civilians and even those in the ranks of the terrorist groups to help law enforcement agencies and the military to run after high-value targets.

Sen. Francis Escudero has warned the public not to be complacent about national security following the killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden because his death may not signify the end of terrorism.

Escudero said the intelligence network is aware that there are pocket groups of al-Qaeda terrorists operating in different countries, thus the need for heightened vigilance.

“That’s one thing that will be bugging them right now, that they (local terrorists) have no place to hide anymore, because for sure they will be tracked down,” said Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command.

“They have no choice but to surrender or be neutralized,” he said.

Cabangbang said the revival of the reward system would, in effect, “tell the terrorists that they don’t have a hold on all people.”

The military over the weekend announced the $5-million bounty offered for the capture of al-Qaeda-linked terrorist leader Zulkifli Abdhir, a Malaysian who is known to go by the aliases of Marwan, Zulkifli Abd Hir and Zulkifli Bin Abdul Hir.

Cabangbang said Abdhir, who was placed on the US State Department’s most wanted list in 2003, is known to be a senior member of several criminal groups in the southern Philippines with links to al-Qaeda.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that Abdhir is considered “armed and dangerous” and his presence in Mindanao presents danger to the public.

Cabangbang said there are a number of Abu Sayyaf leaders and members with huge bounties on their heads, like Radullan Sahiron, Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu Pula, Isnilon Hapilon, Puruji Indama, and Nurhassan Jamiri. - With Roel Pareño, Eva Visperas

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=683656&publicationSubCategoryId=

-----

AFP 'super force' to intensify campaign against Abu
(The Philippine Star) Updated May 10, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban yesterday said there will be no letup in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf as authorities arrested another wanted member of the group in Isabela City.

Oban said they will not loosen up on their security measures until they neutralize the terrorists as prescribed by the military’s internal security plan Bayanihan.

Security forces, Oban said, are in fact fast-tracking the creation of a “super force” that will fight terrorism despite the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.

“It (security measures) has to be a continuous effort… until we have reached the objectives of IPSP (internal peace and security plan) Bayanihan in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf, the JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) and other groups,” he told reporters.

Under Bayanihan, the military will continue pursuing terrorist groups while supporting peace negotiations with armed groups like the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The government wants to reach a political settlement with the NPA and the MILF while conducting military operations against terrorists and lawless groups.

“For the Abu Sayyaf and the JI, definitely, we will conduct focused military operations… The strategy is neutralize them, isolate them first, cut off their lines, mass base support and logistics,” Oban said.

Oban, who heads the 120,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said they are now preparing the guidelines for the joint “super force” that will combat terrorism and other threats. The team will consist of military and police officers and personnel.

“We just have to provide the guidelines and provide the appropriate guidance to our operating units. It’s up to the local command to undertake the necessary efforts,” Oban said.

He said the creation of the joint team is part of efforts to strengthen the peace and security coordinating councils nationwide.

“It has to be dynamic. We take a look at how we fared in the past and what other movements to contemplate to make it an effective setup,” the AFP chief said.

Oban said he will meet with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo in the next few days to craft the guidelines. The joint “super force” against terrorism will be activated as soon as possible, he said.

“It’s prudent to consider all possibilities. We are always prepared for them. We’re hitting it right in the heart of the organization in Jolo and Basilan,” Oban said referring to areas believed to be the lair of Abu Sayyaf. – Alexis Romero, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=684428&publicationSubCategoryId=

gaLj

July 4th, 2011, 06:30 AM

ang gulo talaga ng PAF, 1st it was F-18 and MiG-29, and now they want TA-50 and M-346

i hope what they're talking about are jet trainers (latter), and not MRF's (former)

Don't be confused between the two. The 6 fighters are probably trainers, they called it LIFT or lead-in fighter trainer. These jets are meant to replace the aging s-211 trainers. While the 2 MRFs (F-18 or Mig 29) are for AFP evaluation.

Perhaps, the cause of confusion between the two is the ambiguous used of the word "fighter planes/jets " because it can be interpreted either way. They (media) forgot to put a demarcation between the two fighters (LIFT & MRF).

gmaer

July 4th, 2011, 07:31 AM

Yre

July 4th, 2011, 07:36 AM

^^ Yung sa word na C ata yung nabigdeal sa mod. Still, I don't think that should be the sole reason for closing the thread.

I'm actually embarrased with some people here using racist slurs as if it can win us sympathy.

gmaer

July 4th, 2011, 08:11 AM

Air Force considers extension of pilots' contracts to 10 years (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702502&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated July 04, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is considering increasing the length of its pilots’ contract of service to ten years from eight years to ensure that it would have enough manpower to operate its assets.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena said such measure is being studied even if the number of pilots leaving the service to join the private sector had already decreased.

“We are looking to ensure that we have sufficient number of pilots that will be able to operate our aircraft and at the same time perform the various tasks,” Rabena said, adding that they have a policy which bars a pilot from leaving until a replacement has been found.

“We will not release a test pilot if there is nobody who can replace him. It’s important that we maintain the required number of qualifications, test pilots, instructor pilots in a particular unit before we can allow one pilot to leave,” he said.

Rabena said the acquisition of new trainer planes could encourage pilots to join the service.

“The good news is that we now have many trainer aircraft, 18 basic trainer aircraft, SF-260, we have at least 15 T41 aircraft so we have now increased the number of students. We expect that we can train them in a shorter period of time,” he said.

Rabena said the number of pilots who left the service last year was lower compared to that of the previous years. He said less than 10 pilots moved to private airlines in 2010 compared to as many as 50 during in earlier years.

The Air Force has bought 18 units of basic trainer aircraft from Italy-based firm Augusta, which completed its delivery last week. The whole package amounted to P621 million.

The SF-260 is a propeller-driven, two-seater plane that has been the backbone of the Air Force schools for the past decades. It is used in other countries to select potential candidates to progress to high performance aircraft.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said the acquisition of new trainers would address the backlog of students who are about to undergo flying exercises. Such backlog stemmed from the lack of trainer aircraft in the inventory. The Air Force is currently training two classes of pilots composed of about 60 students each.

In 2006, the Air Force recorded the largest number of pilots who left the service to seek higher-paying jobs in private firms. That year, 54 of the 1,085 Air Force pilots resigned to move to seek greener pastures.

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 08:22 AM

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 08:27 AM

^^ Yung sa word na C ata yung nabigdeal sa mod. Still, I don't think that should be the sole reason for closing the thread.

i think something bias happening on that thread....

Yre

July 4th, 2011, 08:43 AM

i think something bias happening on that thread....

No, please bear in mind people that those "chink" word thrown around is highly offensive.
It may sound not as offensive in the Philippines but in the US it is and this was posted in the North American thread.

anak_mm

July 4th, 2011, 08:51 AM

Naisara yung phil related thread sa NA skybar, magrereply sana ako sa mga twisted facts pero nalock na kasi gumamit ng politically incorrect word si architect. Oh well...
cnabi ko na kay Waray dun sa thread na hindi niya kinailangan gmitin yung C

kasi parang N-word rin yun sa kanila

xxxriainxxx

July 4th, 2011, 09:25 AM

And they protested at the wrong embassy. :lol::lol::lol:

Pamatong et al declare 'war' vs China

By Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 07/04/2011 3:07 PM | Updated as of 07/04/2011 3:07 PM
Tweet

MANILA, Philippines - A group calling themselves the Discovery Crusade of the Philippines, Inc. led by Elly Pamatong, burned 2 Chinese flags in front of the US Embassy Monday as a declaration of war against China.

Pamatong said that the Philippines owns the Spratlys islands and not China.

He said that Filipinos should kidnap the Chinese residing in the country so that the Chinese currently occupying the contested Spratlys island will leave. :lol::lol::lol::ohno::ohno::ohno::nuts::nuts::nuts::bash::bash:

Pamatong, a self-proclaimed international lawyer, previously sued Pope Benedict XVI and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales for swindling, teaching immoral doctrines and public disorder.

He is best known for scattering spikes on EDSA in 2004, which damaged a hundred cars, after he was declared a nuisance candidate in the 2004 presidential election.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/07/04/11/pamatong-et-al-declare-war-vs-china

This guy's nuts! :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 09:45 AM

The us embassy must be happy.

About the c word, i think i ought to remind people here that western nations are far more pc than the philippines. If you read the 'kiki' incident i posted months ago, you will see how western natipns take pc very seriously

Alinghi

July 4th, 2011, 09:45 AM

^^ hay nako umeeksena na naman ang mga epal at KSP :bash: :bash: :bash:

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 09:47 AM

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 10:06 AM

US assures Philippines: You’ve got a friend (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/20986/us-assures-ph-you%E2%80%99ve-got-a-friend)

By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer
3:26 am | Monday, July 4th, 2011

The United States has pledged to be an ally of the Philippines “long into the future.”

“That is what it means to be an American. And that is what is means to be a friend,” said Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. at the US Embassy in Manila, Friday, during rites marking both US Independence Day and Filipino-American Friendship Day on July 4.

Thomas noted that together, Washington and Manila “harbor the same hope for the future of the Philippines that President Aquino shares with his nation. We marvel at the indomitable will and irrepressible spirit of the Filipino people.”

According to Thomas, Americans are “powered by our relationships, by our friendship with great nations like the Philippines, with whom we share historic ties and strong bonds of friendship and family.”

He asserted that Americans are “driven by our commitment to liberty and our knowledge that our friends are entitled to our protection and our loyalty when they are in peril. We are powered by our devotion to peace and our drive to find solutions, not divisions.”

“This is what it means to be American. And this is what it means to be a friend to the Philippines,” he said.

In his remarks, Thomas also welcomed Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, who had just returned from Washington where he met with, among others, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Thomas called Del Rosario’s presence a “symbol of the strength of our two nations’ alliance, and a tribute to our friendship and to Philippine-American Friendship Day.”

‘Honor our commitment’

“I know that I speak for Secretary Clinton, Secretary Gates and Director of National Intelligence (James) Clapper in thanking you for your trip. While you were in the US, they each took the opportunity to reaffirm the deep bonds between our two nations and our commitment to honoring our mutual obligations (under the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty) and I reiterate their statements today,” said Thomas.

Two weeks ago, Thomas affirmed for the nth time the strong security ties between Manila and Washington.

“As (the US Agency for International Development) and the Peace Corps commemorate their 50th anniversary in the Philippines, I am reminded of our long and shared history of working together,” he had said at the launch of the National Renewable Energy Program at a Makati City hotel.

Strategic partners

Thomas emphasized then that “the Philippines and the US are longstanding treaty allies.”

“We are strategic partners. We will continue to consult each other closely on the South China Sea, Spratly Islands and other issues,” he had said.

In a June 3 profile on the Philippines, the US Department of State pointed out that the strong security relationship between Manila and Washington “rests on the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty.”

The report—prepared by the state department’s Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs—is posted on the website of the US Embassy in Manila.

The bureau, headed by Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell, handles international affairs with 31 countries and geographic entities, including the Philippines.

Signed on Aug. 13, 1951, in Washington, D.C., the Mutual Defense Treaty provides that Manila can count on Washington’s support if the Philippines is attacked by outside forces.

The treaty “has been a longstanding, vital aspect of Philippine defense policy and posture,” said Foreign Assistant Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya.

“It is the sole defensive framework entered into by the Philippines. It has served both countries well since the 1950s and has continuing relevance,” he added. Malaya is also the next Philippine ambassador to Malaysia.

Constructive relations

In the same report, the state department cited the Philippine government for its “efforts to reduce tensions among rival claimants to the territories and waters of the resource-rich South China Sea.”

The agency also said that “in its foreign policy, the Philippines cultivates constructive relations with its Asian neighbors with whom it is linked through membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asean Regional Forum and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

According to the state department, “US-Philippine relations are based on a shared history and commitment to democratic principles, as well as on economic ties.”

“The historical and cultural links between the Philippines and the US remain strong. The Philippines modeled its governmental institutions on those of the US and continues to share a commitment to democracy and human rights. At the most fundamental level of bilateral relations, human links continue to form a strong bridge between the two countries. There are an estimated four million Americans of Philippine ancestry in the US, and more than 300,000 American citizens in the Philippines,” it said.

The agency said “the post-US bases era has seen US-Philippine relations improved and broadened with a prominent focus on economic and commercial ties while maintaining the importance of the security dimension.”

“US investment continues to play an important role in the Philippine economy, while a strong security relationship rests on the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). In February 1998, US and Philippine negotiators concluded the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), paving the way for increased military cooperation under the MDT,” it said.

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:15 AM

You've Got a Friend

Q7RPCFfudmU

:lol:

So we just call out "Uncle Sam!" :lol:

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:20 AM

I guess, this could be, too

oB7Msp091CA

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 10:21 AM

^^^^

hopefully...:lol:

Pilipinas at Australia, nagsagawa ng joint search and rescue training (http://www.dzmm.com.ph/tabid/82/Article/15749/Pilipinas-at-Australia-nagsagawa-ng-joint-search-and-rescue-training.aspx)

Posted: 10:53 AM 07/04/2011

Nagsasagawa ng joint search and rescue training ang Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at Australian Maritime Safety Authority upang maiangat pa ang kanilang kapabilidad sa pagsasagawa ng search and rescue operations.

Sinabi ni PCG Commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag na layon din nito na mapalawig ang kakayahan ng naturang mga ahensya ng Pilipinas at Australia sa paggamit ng mga search and rescue equipment.

Inihayag ni Liwag na ang naturang pagsasanay ay bahagi pa rin ng programa ng pamahalaan para maiwasan na may mga mabiktima ang mga kalamidad sa bansa at bahagi na rin ng paggunita sa National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Lumahok din dito ang mga kinatawan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Report from Noel Alamar, Radyo Patrol 38

pi_malejana

July 4th, 2011, 10:25 AM

buti 1 month ban lang... ganun talaga sa NA Skybar kaya nga may thread tayo dito para dito tayo mag usap usap...:)

915bungohunter

July 4th, 2011, 10:26 AM

PAF makes coloring books on planes
By Jaime Laude
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7641/63730302.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - With no modern aircraft to display, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) instead commemorated its 64th founding anniversary yesterday by launching a coloring book for children titled “Herkee and Friends.”

The coloring book shows the PAF’s assets in caricature-like pictures with cute names.

“Herkee,” for instance, is a C-130 Hercules aircraft used to carry soldiers and supplies in relief operations.

Like the other planes in the book, the black and white Herkee introduces himself to children: “Hi kids, my name is Herkee. I am a C-130 Hercules cargo plane. I carry soldiers and supplies anytime, anywhere. I also carry relief goods and supplies to our countrymen during disasters.”

“Trainee” is a T-41D Mescalero trainer plane used by student pilots. “Marchee,” on the other hand, is an SF-260 Marchetti trainer plane used by student pilots in advance aircraft maneuver.

Some of the PAF SF-260 trainer planes have been converted into a light bomber aircraft used in conflict-stricken areas in Mindanao.

For children fascinated with toy helicopters, the Air Force introduced “Emgee,” an MD520 MG helicopter gunship used to provide air cover to soldiers in the frontlines. Only a few of these helicopters are now in the inventory of the PAF.

There is also “Skorskee,” an S-76 rescue helicopter and “Yuwee,” a Vietnam-vintage UH-IH utility helicopter. And, of course, “Bronkee,” a Vietnam-vintage OV-10 Bronco.

“My name is Yuwee. I am a UH-IH utility helicopter. I carry soldiers and supplies into areas where there are no runways,” the caption read, describing the aging aircraft to children.

There are also jets featured in the coloring book. “Jetsi” is an S-211 jet trainer used to train pilots who want to fly jets. The PAF has only one air-capable S-211 in its inventory.

On the last page of the coloring book is “Bluwee,” an F-28 jet transport used to fly the President.

While the Air Force has Herkee, Trainee, Marchee, Emgee, Yuwee, Jetsi, Bronkee, Skorskee and Bluwee, neighboring states have missile-firing Tornados, F16s, F15s fighter aircraft, and MIG-29 Fulcrums.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702258&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:29 AM

gmaer

July 4th, 2011, 10:33 AM

6 Afghan insurgents killed as explosive device explodes prematurely
(philstar.com) Updated July 04, 2011 04:17 PM Comments (0) View comments

KABUL(Xinhua) -- Six Taliban insurgents were killed when their explosive device went off prematurely in Afghanistan's Helmand province, 555 km south of capital city of Kabul, provincial government said on Monday.

"Six Taliban insurgents were busy in planting a mine on a road in Sangin district of Helmand province Sunday but their explosive device detonated prematurely, killing all rebels on the spot," a statement issued by Helmand provincial government here said.

Taliban militants who largely rely on roadside bombing and suicide attacks have yet to make comment.

Notorious for growing poppy and militancy, the Helmand province has been regarded as Taliban hotbed in the insurgency-hit southern part of the country.

In a separate development, police detained a would-be suicide bomber and thus foiled a terrorist attack in Surobi district of Kabul province, some 60 km east of Kabul city, on Sunday, Kabul police said in a statement released here Monday.

In another development two rockets landed in Kabul on Sunday night but caused no loss of life and property damages, according to police.

The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group announced to launch spring offensive from May 1 against Afghan and NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702622&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Is that related to Philippine Defense Forces? :ohno:

PAF makes coloring books on planes
By Jaime Laude
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/7641/63730302.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - With no modern aircraft to display, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) instead commemorated its 64th founding anniversary yesterday by launching a coloring book for children titled “Herkee and Friends.”

The coloring book shows the PAF’s assets in caricature-like pictures with cute names.

“Herkee,” for instance, is a C-130 Hercules aircraft used to carry soldiers and supplies in relief operations.

Like the other planes in the book, the black and white Herkee introduces himself to children: “Hi kids, my name is Herkee. I am a C-130 Hercules cargo plane. I carry soldiers and supplies anytime, anywhere. I also carry relief goods and supplies to our countrymen during disasters.”

“Trainee” is a T-41D Mescalero trainer plane used by student pilots. “Marchee,” on the other hand, is an SF-260 Marchetti trainer plane used by student pilots in advance aircraft maneuver.

Some of the PAF SF-260 trainer planes have been converted into a light bomber aircraft used in conflict-stricken areas in Mindanao.

For children fascinated with toy helicopters, the Air Force introduced “Emgee,” an MD520 MG helicopter gunship used to provide air cover to soldiers in the frontlines. Only a few of these helicopters are now in the inventory of the PAF.

There is also “Skorskee,” an S-76 rescue helicopter and “Yuwee,” a Vietnam-vintage UH-IH utility helicopter. And, of course, “Bronkee,” a Vietnam-vintage OV-10 Bronco.

“My name is Yuwee. I am a UH-IH utility helicopter. I carry soldiers and supplies into areas where there are no runways,” the caption read, describing the aging aircraft to children.

There are also jets featured in the coloring book. “Jetsi” is an S-211 jet trainer used to train pilots who want to fly jets. The PAF has only one air-capable S-211 in its inventory.

On the last page of the coloring book is “Bluwee,” an F-28 jet transport used to fly the President.

While the Air Force has Herkee, Trainee, Marchee, Emgee, Yuwee, Jetsi, Bronkee, Skorskee and Bluwee, neighboring states have missile-firing Tornados, F16s, F15s fighter aircraft, and MIG-29 Fulcrums.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702258&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Another media error, none of our neighbors use the Panavia Tornado and the F-15 Eagle (unless we consider Japan as a neighbor).

http://www.aero.pub.ro/wp-content/themes/aero.pub.ro/uploads/JANE_S_ALL_THE_WORLD_S_AIRCRAF/JANE_S_ALL_THE_WORLD_S_AIRCRAF/p7294.jpg
The Japanese Mitsubishi F-15J

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:39 AM

^^ I just found it interesting. thought I would share. That wouldn't fit in the "good news" thread.

xxxriainxxx

July 4th, 2011, 10:44 AM

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 10:56 AM

Taiwan Major General Yin Sheng xian said that if the Philippines in the Spratly Islands war, the two sides will join forces to attack (http://www.chinamilitary.net/taiwan-major-general-yin-sheng-xian-said-that-if-the-philippines-in-the-spratly-islands-war-the-two-sides-will-join-forces-to-attack.html):applause:

June 22, 2011 / admin posted in China Military, Taiwan Military / No Comments

Latest news, the South China Sea dispute and then turmoil, Taiwan’s navy reserve major general recently :lol:Yin Sheng xian told Hong Kong media interview:lol: said that if the warships sent by the mainland and the Philippines conflict, “is currently stationed in the Pacific island of Taiwan would stand idly by, the absolute will not help the Philippines fight the PLA. ” However, the Philippines should attempted takeover of the Pacific islands, the mainland may be shot to help form another “KMT-CPC cooperation,” “time for the Philippines, whether the PLA or Taiwan are Chinese military.”

Taiwan Affairs Office said in: maintaining sovereignty over the Nansha Islands is the common responsibility of compatriots on both sides.

Yin Sheng xian Huangpu China is now the whole world will be standing concentric supervisors, he believes that to solve the South China Sea or the Diaoyu Islands dispute, the key lies in China’s attitude, he observed, the mainland of South China Sea is not enough strong. He said that on this issue, the mainland is now the slogan that the two sides should jointly defend the “patrimony,” but of course, is to maintain patrimony “national army” of responsibility, the mainland’s People’s Liberation Army have a responsibility.

In Taiwan, Yin Sheng xian said, Hsu Shui-teh as in Taiwan, “interior minister” when there was a time to stand in the Pratas “National boundary markers”, which is a very absurd thing, because really say “borders” should be in territorial waters, how the island. Through him to the then Taiwan, “Defense Ministry” high-level recommendations, establish the “National boundary markers” regarding this cancellation, but a trip or to go, also established on the East Sand Island “Pratas’ names monument.

Many times had been to East Sand Island, Nansha three times that of Yin Sheng xian, when Taiwan’s navy would have to spend just a trip to the Spratly Islands three weeks, at least 20 days, the fear is that water control is a daily limit open for use when fresh. He also remember that the voyage to the Nansha freshwater control to the last person one day only about 1,000 cc, finally to the Nansha islands in Xuan Wei soldiers, officers and soldiers were stationed in the island to the feedback is that they can comfortably take a bath .

Yin Sheng xian said that although Chen Shui-term withdrawal of the East, Nansha garrison, but in the Pacific islands are Taiwan’s Fourth Army, which is Taiwan, “Coast Guard” of the army stationed. Once the real war, “the mainland really was grateful for Taiwan” as troops or Xu Taiping Island in Taiwan, the PLA will also provide fresh water supplies, to form another “KMT-CPC cooperation.”

Today a friend told me one thing, because before I spent a lot of money to buy an expensive brand-name watches, gave my wife as a birthday gift, so a friend told me that in fact do not spend too much money to buy the expensive genuine like iwc da vinci watches and omega watches replica these copies is more suitable for my class of people, they are not only simulation and high quality, the price is still quite cheap. I really regret not having asked him about earlier, present, and we ask everyone to share.

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:59 AM

^^ Does anyone here remember the article where it stated that Taiwan "daw" will side with China?

:lol:

He is right though, the settlement dispute lies on China. Beijing is the one stubborn for not wanting a FAIR (multilateral) approach

(assuming that what is written in the article is true)

Edit: I dun wanna make a deal about it but the article needs a better editor... :/

Sou-jiro

July 4th, 2011, 11:00 AM

What you need is a hydrogen bomb dropped by China in Philippine.

what ever you say chiny chink...i'd like to shove chopstick in your nostril hehehe YES! i was waiting for someone to be pikon!.......IT WORKED..SU**ER

CHINA IS EVIL!!!...wow Hydrogen bomb?..wow thats how you guys are raised and taught in school..demented mentallity????

BTW whats a Philippine where is that m*r*n :D

leofriends

July 4th, 2011, 11:03 AM

^^ Does anyone here remember the article where it stated that Taiwan "daw" will side with China?

He is right though, the settlement dispute lies on China. Beijing is the one stubborn for not wanting a FAIR (multilateral) approach

(assuming that what is written in the article is true)

Edit: I dun wanna make a deal about it but the article needs a better editor... :/

i dont think so.. baka kasi kelangan sabihin un, isang maling statement lang ng taiwan, nakaready na ung mga missile sa kanila..:lol:

generaly the editor is made in china..:lol::lol::lol:

bitoy

July 4th, 2011, 11:07 AM

Is that related to Philippine Defense Forces? :ohno:

Another media error, none of our neighbors use the Panavia Tornado and the F-15 Eagle (unless we consider Japan as a neighbor).

http://www.aero.pub.ro/wp-content/themes/aero.pub.ro/uploads/JANE_S_ALL_THE_WORLD_S_AIRCRAF/JANE_S_ALL_THE_WORLD_S_AIRCRAF/p7294.jpg
The Japanese Mitsubishi F-15J

Singapore has F-15 pilots in training here, I'm sure their F-15SG Eagles has been delivered.

As for the British Tornados, I'm not sure who would want them... :wink2:

Sou-jiro

July 4th, 2011, 11:19 AM

i dont think so.. baka kasi kelangan sabihin un, isang maling statement lang ng taiwan, nakaready na ung mga missile sa kanila..:lol:

generaly the editor is made in china..:lol::lol::lol:

I dont really Trust Taiwan as well...but you could be right. I wouldnt be surprised in the Editor is in Mainland China.

xxxriainxxx

July 4th, 2011, 11:44 AM

^^ The Taiwan article is probably a propaganda salvo by Beijing. Ask LuckyLady

pthfndr19

July 4th, 2011, 11:46 AM

Sou-jiro

July 4th, 2011, 01:38 PM

spearhead

July 4th, 2011, 01:44 PM

Philippines; PZL to deliver eight Sokol Helicopters
Friday, 10 June 2011 08:35 |
News - Asia

Rotorcraft AgustaWestland subsidiary PZL Swidnik will supply the Philippine air force with eight W-3A Sokol transport helicopters under a deal worth Ps2.8 billion ($64.4 million). Four will be delivered by November to operate alongside the service's more than 80 Bell UH-1s, with the rest to follow in the second quarter of 2012.

http://c69282.r82.cf3.rackcdn.com/IMGP2621.JPG
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1877:philippines-pzl-to-deliver-eight-sokol-helicopters&catid=3:asia&Itemid=56

spearhead

July 4th, 2011, 01:44 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is considering increasing the length of its pilots’ contract of service to ten years from eight years to ensure that it would have enough manpower to operate its assets.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena said such measure is being studied even if the number of pilots leaving the service to join the private sector had already decreased.

“We are looking to ensure that we have sufficient number of pilots that will be able to operate our aircraft and at the same time perform the various tasks,” Rabena said, adding that they have a policy which bars a pilot from leaving until a replacement has been found.

“We will not release a test pilot if there is nobody who can replace him. It’s important that we maintain the required number of qualifications, test pilots, instructor pilots in a particular unit before we can allow one pilot to leave,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?artic...ubCategoryId=63

xxxriainxxx

July 4th, 2011, 01:49 PM

'Berlin Is Playing into the Hands of the Chinese'

http://www.spiegel.de/images/image-231556-panoV9free-rlci.jpg
AFP
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao review an honor guard on Tuesday ahead of Germany and China's first-ever joint cabinet meeting.

Trade was the focus of the meeting of German and Chinese leaders in Berlin this week, with German companies eager to get a piece of the massive Chinese market. But commentators warn of the dangers of becoming too dependent on the emerging Asian superpower.

Four years ago, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama in Berlin, China reacted with anger -- and German industrial leaders, worried at the possible loss of lucrative contracts with the emerging economic powerhouse, reacted with horror.

They had no need to worry this time around. The Chinese delegation that visited Berlin on Monday and Tuesday, where they took part in the two countries' first joint cabinet meeting, received a warm welcome. Merkel, borrowing the same words used by her guest, said that the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao marked a "new chapter" in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Human rights activists who had been pushing Merkel to be tough on China's track record were likely disappointed by the visit. Although the German chancellor talked of her pleasure at the release of the artist Ai Weiwei and other political prisoners and called for "transparent" legal proceedings, the focus of the meeting was very much on trade.

Merkel said that the two countries want to increase their annual bilateral trade volume to €200 billion ($284 billion) by 2015, up from last year's total of just over €130 billion. Wen expressed the hope that Germany and China might even double their trade volume within the next five years.

A Critical Look

The two leaders also signed a whole series of contracts -- 14 in total. Among them was an agreement for China to be the partner country for the Hannover Messe trade show in 2012 and the construction of a German consulate in the Chinese city of Shenyang. The two sides also pledged to work more closely together on issues of justice, climate control and renewable energies.

In addition, contracts were signed with German companies worth a total of €10.6 billion, including the purchase of 62 Airbus A320 passenger jets. Volkswagen also inked a deal with its Chinese partner FAW on the construction of a new factory in China while Daimler and Siemens also concluded investment deals with their Chinese partners.

The euro crisis was a further topic discussed at the summit. With roughly 26 percent of its currency reserves invested in euro-denominated assets, China has a major interest in seeing the currency remain stable. "If Europe has problems, we will lend a helping hand," Wen Jiabao said. If necessary, he added, China would buy up an appropriate amount of the sovereign bonds of euro-zone countries. Merkel, in turn, assured him that "we will take care of solidarity and solidity in the euro zone."

The Berlin visit was just one stage of Wen's European tour. Before coming to Germany, he met with British Prime Minister David Cameron in London and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest -- and also signed billion-euro deals in those countries.

On Wednesday, German commentators take a critical look at the German-Chinese relationship.

The center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes:

"Relations between China and the Europeans can be described using two key words: business and human rights. The Europeans leave geopolitics and big-picture strategy to the Americans. This is both shortsighted and naive. While we (Europeans) see free trade as something that is desirable from an economic standpoint, Beijing views economic issues as a strategic lever to be used for its geopolitical positioning. …. Now, Premier Wen Jiabao is traveling through Europe with his checkbook, buying up sovereign bonds from debt-stricken countries, having China's state banks grant low-interest loans or promising new investments for companies that China has invested in. China, which is already the US's largest creditor, is also becoming a powerful economic player in Europe, and not only as a market for our goods."

"The debt-ridden Europeans are naturally happy that there is still someone out there who is willing to invest money on the Continent, but they should also be aware that China is not acting entirely selflessly. The Chinese are not just interested in acquiring Western technology, but also in increasing their political influence. The thorny issue of human rights is already almost being drowned out in the chorus of voices loudly singing the praises of the economic opportunities in the huge Chinese market. The stronger this dependence becomes, and the more confident Beijing gets, the quieter those critical voices will become."

The left-leaning Die Tageszeitung writes:

"It was a visit of warm words and embraces. This closeness is astonishing, to say the least. It demonstratively prioritizes economic interests and deliberately ignores the realities of China."

"The red-carpet treatment sends out the wrong signal. The Beijing politicians will understand it as a license to throw as many people as they want into prison, knowing that the Germans will respect them anyway. It should now have become clear to everyone that it is only possible to exert pressure on China if the EU speaks with one voice. Brussels needs a common China strategy. But instead of that, Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle have been competing to see who can suck up to Beijing the most -- just as David Cameron did earlier in London."

The conservative Die Welt writes:

"In diplomatic terms, nothing represents more respect and deeper understanding than a joint cabinet meeting. We only have such contact with partners with whom we share a special history, shared experience and values, such as France or Israel. Can the same be said of China? Hardly."

"For us, individual rights are an indisputable basic right. In China they are ranked behind the power of the state. There, the principle of non-interference in the affairs of other countries is placed higher than human rights. … A genuine strategic partnership would need joint strategic goals. But let's be honest: On a number of significant points, we see the world very differently from China's leadership."

The business daily Handelsblatt writes:

"Relations between China, the new global power, and Germany, the industrial powerhouse, look good. But if you take a step back and consider the bigger picture, the dangers of having too close a relationship with China become clear. The German government is playing into the hands of the Chinese, whose strategy is to surround themselves with a range of weaker allies, so as to prevent the formation of a common front against Beijing."

"Germany has recently proved itself to be surprisingly independent on the world stage. On the issue of the war in Libya, for example, Berlin has held back, in contrast to its partners. China needs exactly these kinds of friends: countries that are respected internationally, with a certain amount of weight, but which are not too firmly embedded in their alliance systems. For Germany, showing such flexibility in its foreign policy creates new possibilities. But this increases the risk of it becoming an instrument of Chinese interests. In this respect, the West's strength is largely based on its being united."

The center-left Süddeutsche Zeitung writes:

"Partly because China's prime minister seems to currently be the man with the apparently inexhaustible pocketbook, there is no unified EU policy on China. Everyone wants to sell as many planes, cars, railways and power plants as possible. Everyone is targeting China's huge market … . Wen Jiabao knows that his country is being wooed by the Europeans, and that it does not need to make any concessions. In Berlin, he made this clear with his cool remark that a strong euro is also in China's interest, with the result that his country would extend a 'helping hand.'"

"Whether the American 20th century will now be followed by the Chinese 21st century is still uncertain. But its economic power, demographics and fairly stable authoritarianism suggest that it will."

-- David Gordon Smith

Source: http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,771338,00.html

Parchie

July 4th, 2011, 01:53 PM

^^Ang gulo ng English ng article na 'to.. parang elementary grad lang nagsulat. hehe:bash:

Eagles eyes there! Akala ko rin K1 lang eh!

LuckyLady

July 4th, 2011, 02:02 PM

^^ The Taiwan article is probably a propaganda salvo by Beijing. Ask LuckyLady

same sh$t from the tsikom's mouth...they are dreaming the KMT would cooperate with them...well if it's ok with them that the taiwanese side would be the one commanding them , maybe there's a possibility of their dreamed cooperation:lol: it's always funny coz you cannot even see a single news in taiwanese newspapers about this:lol: china as usual is the master of this aart of deception so always take everything with a grain of salt.

LuckyLady

July 4th, 2011, 02:05 PM

LuckyLady

July 4th, 2011, 02:12 PM

I dont really Trust Taiwan as well...but you could be right. I wouldnt be surprised in the Editor is in Mainland China.

actually guys the real taiwanese are not that really interested on this issue it's just some of this old mainlanders/pro-unification groups in taiwan that is pushing for this. the reason why we cannot afford to antagonize taiwan or another neighbor country because we need to isolate the urgent threat which is greedy china. dividing tactics, remember? sorry but i don't think we need to discuss more of this here.

Simple Dude

July 4th, 2011, 07:36 PM

It might also be 2nd hand F/A-18 Hornets...

Air Force to acquire 6 fighter jets to boost security operations (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=701892&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated July 02, 2011 12:00 AM

^^ mga brand new nalang sana... :D

i really hope to see Super Hornet's or F-15's patrolling our skies in the future... :soon:

Arvor

July 4th, 2011, 08:57 PM

The Philippines plans to acquire six advanced jet trainers that can also serve in the air-to-air and ground attack roles.

Defence secretary Voltaire Gazmin outlined the requirement during a press conference with local journalists on the occasion of the Philippine air force's 64th anniversary. He said the Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T/A-50 Golden Eagle and Alenia Aermacchi M-346 were possible candidates.

Gazmin said the new aircraft would likely become operational within the next six years, and estimated their cost at one billion Philippine pesos ($23 million) each.

Separately, the air force said the six trainers will need a ground attack and basic air-interception capability. The service sees the new fleet as a stepping stone to its long-term goal of acquiring more advanced fighters.

"You can't build a fighter capability overnight," the air force said.

The air force confirmed that its chief visited South Korea earlier this year, and received a briefing on the T/A-50 (T-50 trainer pictured below) from KAI and the South Korean air force.

Manila retired its last fighters, Northrop F-5s, in 2005. Today its air force is largely equipped with turboprop aircraft and helicopters. It is well suited to combating insurgencies on the nation's southern island of Mindanao, but is incapable of more advanced missions, such as air-to-air interception or the suppression of enemy air defences.

The Philippine air force has long desired more advanced aircraft types, but securing funding for new equipment has been a major problem. Regional geopolitical trends, however, could spur the country's lawmakers to place a higher priority on improving air force and naval capabilities.

Philippine media reports have highlighted the nation's relative weakness in light of China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea's Spratly Islands, where both nations have territorial claims. Other nations with claims include Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

During May there was extensive coverage in local media of an aerial incident over a portion of the Spratlys claimed by Manila. Two patrolling Rockwell OV-10 Broncos reportedly spotted two unidentified jet fighters. The jets, which Manila strongly suspects were Chinese, were far overhead, and the 1960s-era Bronco turboprops were unable to pursue or intercept them.

7XEhTtk8ze4

Ive time and again suggested the M346 as jet trainer and light combat aircraft in combination with super tucano's, Gripens and Rafales at least if we had the means to procure them, in any case the m346 comes from the same manufacturer as some of our current trainers .

Lol + it's a twin engined aircraft as per the supposed paf requirement ... .

http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getAsset.aspx?ItemID=27400
M346 above an m.311 which is an improved or redesigned S.211 which we do have a few of, so naturally the m346 would provide a smooth transition for our pilots .

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:02 PM

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:17 PM

China, being overly defensive, as usual. A sign that they are up to something....

China slams US resolution on Spratlys dispute
By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) Updated July 05, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (14) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - China yesterday slammed the passage of a US Senate resolution condemning the use of force in the disputed waters in Southeast Asia, saying it “turns a blind eye to facts.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the US resolution “confuses right and wrong, and thus does not hold water.”

“We hope relevant US senators do more for regional peace and stability,” a transcription of Hong’s press briefing in Beijing read.

Hong said the dispute with the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries revolves around islets and reefs comprising Spratly Islands, which the Chinese call Nansha. There are also disputes over demarcation of territories, he said.

He stressed that concerned parties should settle their differences bilaterally through direct negotiation.

Hong said free navigation in the South China Sea has never been affected by the disputes.

The US Senate resolution calls on all parties to resolve relevant disputes through multilateral and peaceful means.

It also said the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) should be the basis for resolving the dispute and calls on the US armed forces to take action to ensure free navigation in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lauded the resolution sponsored by senators Jim Webb and Jim Inhofe.

“It is imperative for concerned parties to take concrete steps to ease tensions in the area through dialogues and diplomacy. We urge all claimant-countries to seriously consider our proposal to transform the area from a zone of dispute into a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation (ZoPFF/C),” the DFA said.

In introducing the resolution, Webb said it is now time for the US to “back (its) policy with action.”

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met with Webb in Washington a few days after the resolution was filed.

Meanwhile, a Filipino-American group called US Pinoys for Good Governance chaired by entrepreneur Loida Nicolas Lewis is set to picket outside Chinese consular offices across the US on Friday to protest China’s planned deployment of a giant deepwater oil-drilling platform in the West Philippine Sea this month.

“As Filipinos in America work feverishly to prepare for protest actions in front of all the Chinese consular offices in the US on July 8, the question is asked: Why aren’t Filipinos in the Philippines similarly incensed by China’s plans to set up oil rigs in the Spratly islands territory of the Philippines this July,” Rodel Rodis, a San Francisco, California-based lawyer posted at Global Balita website yesterday.

“Please stand up to the China Bully and demonstrate in front of a China consulate on July 8 at noon wherever you are, even if you are in the Philippines,” Rodis said.

More patrols

The Philippines will deploy more vessels in areas in the West Philippine Sea where 15 private companies are set to search for oil and gas, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag.

Liwag said the PCG would add one more vessel to its force of two patrol boats in the waters of Palawan, which is believed to hold large deposits of oil and gas.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), for its part, would be fielding five of its Monitoring and Control Surveillance vessels to the area to provide support. The BFAR vessels would be manned by PCG personnel.

“We have beefed up our inter-agency task force or protection body and the PCG would provide the leadership in terms of law enforcement,” Liwag said. “The PCG would head the coordinating body.”

Liwag said the other members of the task force are the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine National Police.

“There would be an integration of government agencies. We are committing our resources there to make sure we are able to patrol not only the territorial waters and the contiguous zone but also the exclusive economic zone and our occupied islands and the undisputed islands. The Philippine government as a whole, would commit more (ships),” he said.

Liwag said he met with Australian Ambassador Rod Smith during the start yesterday of the five-day Search and Rescue Workshop hosted by the PCG and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Liwag said they discussed the “conduct of security operations involving Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.”

He told the ambassador that the PCG would lead patrol the waters around oil exploration sites.

“They are interested since they also have some companies that were granted with service contracts or maybe they are applying for oil exploration permit in that area,” he said.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop, organized by the PCG and the AMSA, would be attended by 25 officials from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NRRMC), the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force (PAF), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

“There is always room for improvement. There are always things that we can do better. No country has got it right so we are pleased to work with the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies to build our respective capabilities,” said Smith.

“SAR is always a very demanding area in maritime security. The Philippines is a country that sadly faces a lot of typhoons and other heavy weather. The country also relies on maritime transport and a lot of ferries and inevitably incidents are going to take place and will always test the capability of any country,” Smith added.

Liwag said the holding of the workshop is in line with the declaration of July as the National Disaster Consciousness Month based on Executive Order 137, issued on Aug. 10, 1999.

“We have to enhance our platforms, boats and ships that can go beyond the 50-nautical mile (zone) because some of the accidents happen far from the baseline or far from the land. So we have to acquire more vessels,” Liwag added. – Evelyn Macairan

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=702809&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Nabartek

July 4th, 2011, 10:27 PM

“We hope relevant US senators do more for regional peace and stability,” a transcription of Hong’s press briefing in Beijing read.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the US resolution “confuses right and wrong, and thus does not hold water.”

These vague statements from the Chinese makes me suspicious that they are trying to provoke the US do some a-la Iraq pre-emtive(over preventive) actions in hopes that the US will be the first to do something militarily over the US doing the first strike. To achieve this, China should intimidate US allies (Japan, Philippines and to a certain extent, maybe, Vietnam).

That being said, the US should play its cards well and let Beijing burn itself from its own carelessness. I think the US should avoid a more direct military involvement like having their Navy and ground troops. I think it is best for them and their allies that the US would involve itself through training and "military advice" and giving its allies access to needed equipment.

gmaer

July 5th, 2011, 02:59 AM

Philippines seeks modern US military hardware (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5356/philippines-seeks-modern-us-military-hardware)
Agence France-Presse
7:08 pm | Monday, July 4th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines said Monday it would ask the United States for long-range patrol aircraft and other modern military hardware to help defend its claims to disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said he hoped to receive the first pieces of equipment within the year, although it was not yet certain how the cash-strapped government could afford to buy the new weapons.

“We are looking at modern equipment… with the very long-range patrol aircraft and also watercraft so we can guard our territory,” Gazmin told reporters.

He stressed that the Philippines was not seeking old US equipment, which it has relied on in the past, but wanted new items in the face of recent tensions with China over the South China Sea and the Spratly islands.

The United States has said it will study the list and see what kind of equipment the Philippines can afford and is capable of operating, Gazmin added.

“When you talk of new equipment you talk of operational costs. With the very limited budget that we have, we have to see if we can afford it,” he said.

Gazmin said last week the Philippines was looking for new fighter aircraft, six years after retiring its Vietnam War-vintage F5 fighter jets.

Tensions in the strategic and resource-rich South China Sea have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam voicing alarm at what they say are increasingly forceful Chinese actions there.

They include accusations of Chinese forces opening fire on Filipino fishermen, shadowing an oil exploration vessel employed by a Philippine firm, and putting up structures in areas claimed by the Philippines.

The South China Sea includes the Spratlys, a chain of islands believed to sit on vast mineral resources.

Aside from the Philippines, China and Vietnam, the area is also wholly or partially claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Although the Philippines has troops on some of the Spratly islands, it has the weakest military forces in the region with no fighter aircraft and mainly World War II-vintage US ships to guard its claim.

US officials said last week that Washington was willing to provide hardware to modernise the Philippine military amid the growing territorial strains, but no details were announced.

The US Military has the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Lockheed P-2 Neptune, Lockheed P-3 Orion, Martin P5M Marlin, Grumman S-2 Tracker, and the Lockheed S-3 Viking (http://www.rjlee.org/s3.html) for long range maritime patrol.

http://www.rjlee.org/images/s3harpn.jpg
S-3B of VS-21 "Fighting Redtails" launches a Harpoon; photo courtesy of LT Tim McGarvey, VS-29.

The S-3B Viking is an extremely versatile antisubmarine aircraft, whose primary mission, appropriately enough, is to locate and prosecute hostile submarines. It carries a crew of four, including the pilot, copilot, tactical coordinator (TACCO), and sensor operator (SENSO). Given the nature of its mission, it is appropriate that the S-3 has a tremendous fuel capacity and efficient engines, which enable it to stay on station for as long as it takes to find the lurking subsurface threat. The sound of its engines are often compared to that of a vacuum cleaner, hence its nickname, the "Hoover."

For the antisubmarine mission, the S-3 is equipped with acoustic sonobuoys and a tail-mounted Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) system, along with an impressive collection of antisubmarine ordnance. However, the S-3 also has impressive surveillance capability, in the form of a sophisticated ESM (electronic surveillance measures) suite and an inverse-synthetic aperture radar. Both of these tools allow the S-3 to collect electronic intelligence invaluable to the battle group. In addition, S-3B "War Hoovers" have also been cleared to carry the AGM-84 Harpoon, giving the Viking an anti-surface capability to match its sensors. Finally, because of their high endurance, S-3s are used as tankers, carrying "buddy packs" that enable them to transfer jet fuel in-flight.

The future of the S-3 includes upgrades to its avionics suite, modifications to its airframe, the addition of GPS capability, and conceivably clearance for more types of ordnance. A modified version of the Viking, the ES-3A "Shadow", has entered service as a dedicated signals intelligence aircraft. Vikings currently operate in one squadron of six aircraft and are expected to gain two more aircraft in tomorrow's airwing.

gmaer

July 5th, 2011, 03:06 AM

Singapore has F-15 pilots in training here, I'm sure their F-15SG Eagles has been delivered.

As for the British Tornados, I'm not sure who would want them... :wink2:

Aha! I missed that article about the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle variants. The F-15SG (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapores-rsaf-decides-to-fly-like-an-eagle-01141/) have already been delivered since 2009 with more to come next year. Thanks for the FYI! :)

Nabartek

July 5th, 2011, 04:09 AM

Warplane scares Filipino fishermen near Spratlys
APBy JIM GOMEZ - Associated Press | AP – 15 hours ago

tweet6
Email
Print

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — An unidentified fighter plane flew within several feet (meters) above a boatload of Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters near the disputed Spratly Islands, scaring them into leaving the fishing area, the defense chief said Monday.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the June 4 incident off western Palawan province is the latest foreign intrusion into Philippine territorial waters, where the military has previously accused Chinese military and civilians ships of illegal incursions.

The fishermen, shaken but unharmed, immediately left the area they locally call Dalagang Bukid Shoal, about 131 miles (210 kilometers) off Palawan Province's Balabac Island. The fishermen failed to identify the aircraft, which buzzed about 20 feet (six meters) over the tip of an antennae of their vessel, Gazmin said.

"It's the latest intrusion, the latest violation," Gazmin told The Associated Press.

Gazmin declined to speculate on the aircraft's identity but said most incursions into the Philippine waters in and near the Spratlys have been blamed on Chinese vessels.

The Spratlys, a chain of barren, largely uninhabited islands, reefs and banks in the South China Sea are claimed wholly by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and partly by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The islands are believed to be rich oil and natural gas and straddle .

The Philippines has accused Chinese vessels of intruding at least nine times into Philippine waters in recent months, while Vietnam says Chinese vessels have hindered its oil exploration surveys in an area 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off its central coast that it claims as its economic exclusive zone.

China says it has sovereign rights over the South China Sea, but the reported Chinese operations in the area have set off protests.

About a dozen protesters burned two Chinese flags near the U.S. Embassy on Monday, urging Washington to back its ally Philippines amid its recent spats with China over the Spratlys.

On Sunday, dozens of Vietnamese held protests for a fifth straight week in Hanoi, waving Vietnamese flags and chanting anti-Chinese slogans and carrying signs that read: "China stop lying, stop violating, stop invading."

Among the most serious incident reported by the Philippines was an alleged firing by a Chinese navy vessel on Feb. 25 to scare away Filipino fishermen from the Jackson Atoll, also near the Spratlys. Chinese Ambassador to Manila Liu Jianchao has denied Chinese forces fired at the Filipino fishermen.

He has acknowledged, however, the involvement of Chinese forces in an incident last March, when Philippine authorities accused two Chinese patrol ships of threatening to ram a Filipino oil exploration ship into leaving the Reed Bank near the Spratlys.

Liu said the Chinese forces were exercising Beijing's sovereign rights at the Reed Bank, but the Philippine government countered that the area was within the country's 200-mile exclusive economic zone and was never a part of the Spratlys.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/warplane-scares-filipino-fishermen-near-spratlys-102952924.html

Manila-X

July 5th, 2011, 04:27 AM

Manila-X

July 5th, 2011, 04:31 AM

Singapore has F-15 pilots in training here, I'm sure their F-15SG Eagles has been delivered.

As for the British Tornados, I'm not sure who would want them... :wink2:

Tornado is actually a joint project by Great Britain, Germany and Italy. So its not entirely British.

Sou-jiro

July 5th, 2011, 04:49 AM

actually guys the real taiwanese are not that really interested on this issue it's just some of this old mainlanders/pro-unification groups in taiwan that is pushing for this. the reason why we cannot afford to antagonize taiwan or another neighbor country because we need to isolate the urgent threat which is greedy china. dividing tactics, remember? sorry but i don't think we need to discuss more of this here.

you have a point...agreed :cheers:...it hard to just belive any media statement that comes from Mainland China. They're Government has alot of influence if not control over them. Its easy to see that by the language and interpretation that they use.

joseprito

July 5th, 2011, 05:01 AM

Don't be confused between the two. The 6 fighters are probably trainers, they called it LIFT or lead-in fighter trainer. These jets are meant to replace the aging s-211 trainers. While the 2 MRFs (F-18 or Mig 29) are for AFP evaluation.

Perhaps, the cause of confusion between the two is the ambiguous used of the word "fighter planes/jets " because it can be interpreted either way. They (media) forgot to put a demarcation between the two fighters (LIFT & MRF).

The T-50 is a good plane from SK, and the M 346 is not bad either.
I suggest we should get 3>T-50 and 3> M346
these are supersonic jets and no way the S-211 can match these Trainer/Fighter jets. I guess we have to familiarize and train our pilots to handle these jets first before acquiring a more modern fighters such as the F 18s and F 15s in the future.You can't just drive a Ferrari if you are driving a Sarao Jeepney.:):):):banana::banana:

gmaer

July 5th, 2011, 05:48 AM

The only Asian country that has the Tornado would be Saudi Arabia

It is an Asian country but not our neighbor contrary to that news report.

The T-50 is a good plane from SK, and the M 346 is not bad either.
I suggest we should get 3>T-50 and 3> M346
these are supersonic jets and no way the S-211 can match these Trainer/Fighter jets. I guess we have to familiarize and train our pilots to handle these jets first before acquiring a more modern fighters such as the F 18s and F 15s in the future.You can't just drive a Ferrari if you are driving a Sarao Jeepney.:):):):banana::banana:

The M-346 has 2 engines which is a PAF requirement and the Philippines has bought several Italian-made aircraft in the past like the S-211 and the SF-260. The Koreans sold us 2nd hand F-5s in the past and those are no longer operational and were a pain in maintenance cost.

bitoy

July 5th, 2011, 05:59 AM

Tornado is actually a joint project by Great Britain, Germany and Italy. So its not entirely British.

I knew that, I've seen them During the Gulf wars, but we always call them British Tornados since most of the sorties done during the war were done by the RAF.

Manila-X

July 5th, 2011, 06:46 AM

It is an Asian country but not our neighbor contrary to that news report.

The M-346 has 2 engines which is a PAF requirement and the Philippines has bought several Italian-made aircraft in the past like the S-211 and the SF-260. The Koreans sold us 2nd hand F-5s in the past and those are no longer operational and were a pain in maintenance cost.

The sad it is neighbouring countries have multi-role fighter jets which the PAF lacks.

spearhead

July 5th, 2011, 06:49 AM

ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 04-Jul-2011

Jane's Defence Weekly

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines lead-in fighter trainer programme shifts up a gear

Jon Grevatt Jane's Asia-Pacific Industry Reporter
Bangkok

Key Points
•
The Philippine Air Force has proposed the acquisition of KAI T/A-50 or Alenia Aermacchi M-346 lead-in fighter trainers to meet its national requirement

•
The winning platform is expected to perform a wide range of roles ahead of procurement of fighters and surface attack aircraft

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has forwarded a proposal to the Department of National Defense (DND) to acquire up to six lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT), PAF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ernesto Okol has told Jane's .

The proposal outlines the acquisition of either the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T/A-50 or the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346.

"We are looking at those two platforms since they are both available in the market place," said Lt Col Okol. "What we need is a lead-in fighter trainer that can bridge some capabilities that we do not have at the moment. We have no interception capability [and] we have very limited maritime patrol cover for ships, and so on."

The LIFT proposal is currently at senior ministerial level, he said, although funding has not yet been approved. The PAF is aiming to take delivery of the selected platform within the next few years. A purchase of six aircraft would be expected to cost about USD150-200 million. Indonesia agreed earlier this year to acquire 16 T-50 aircraft for USD400 million, while Singapore last year ordered 12 M-346 platforms for about USD440 million.

Lt Col Okol also explained that the LIFT programme is in addition to other PAF requirements such as multirole fighters (MRFs) and surface attack aircraft. These requirements reflect a distinct lack of air defence capability in the country. The last of the PAF's Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighters were decommissioned in October 2005 due to high maintenance costs and the PAF's air defence requirements have since been undertaken by armed S.211 Aermacchi trainers.

"All of these requirements are part of our Capability Upgrade Programme (CUP), which we have been planning a long time," said Lt Col Okol. "But our project management teams regularly adjust these plans according to the defence and military climate. The LIFT requirement is in the CUP; the surface attack aircraft is there; our requirement for the MRF is there. It is just a matter of what is being prioritised - and the requirement to procure a lead-in fighter trainer capability has been raised a few notches."

The surface attack requirement is intended to replace the PAF's depleted fleet of Rockwell OV-10A Broncos. Jane's understands that KAI's KT-1 basic turboprop trainer/light attack aircraft and Brazil's Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano are being considered for the programme, which aims to undertake observation and counter-insurgency operations in the southern Philippines island of Mindanao.

The MRF programme, meanwhile, is intended to acquire one squadron (12 aircraft) of fighter aircraft by the end of this decade. PAF officials have previously outlined an intention to prioritise the procurement of two to three aircraft within the next few years and the remaining platforms a few years after. Jane's understands several platforms are being considered to meet the MRF requirement, including the Russian MiG-29 'Fulcrum' and the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.

The PAF's move to fill its air defence capability gaps comes at a time when territorial concerns have risen due to China's increasing manoeuvres in the South China Sea, particularly in areas - such as the Palawan islands.

Such concerns have gained weight with reports from China over the past month that the country's first aircraft carrier will embark on its initial sea trial in July. The former Ukrainian vessel, which has been refurbished by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, is expected to be officially launched in 2012.

gmaer

July 5th, 2011, 07:29 AM

Manila-X

July 5th, 2011, 08:30 AM

It would be cool if PAF gets those Hornets.

Alinghi

July 5th, 2011, 09:17 AM

^^ LIFT lang pala muna yung "6 fighter jets" kuno.. eto namang engot natin na media hindi marunong mag distinguish from MRF :lol:

Sou-jiro

July 5th, 2011, 09:58 AM

^^^ nice article but its gonna take atleast the next few years for a full squadron by end of the decade?..thats ages away.

The Chinese Carrier can be delployed there as early as next year. by 5-10 years they will have more Control of the West Philippine Sea....what then?...it will be pointless for the new Aircrafts and equipment.

Is there no other way they can acquire the Mig-29s or F/A-18 from other countries?...

when can T-50 be delivered?...because for now this is only a feasability study.

For the MANY MANY years the corrupt AFP officials starved our forces of modern equipment...in return they should modernize it as FAST as possible...particularly with the situation Heating up and there no sign it will slow down...the longer they wait the worst it will be...Its there's Will there's a way

gmaer

July 5th, 2011, 10:43 AM

It would be cool if PAF gets those Hornets.

Yeah F/A-18 Hornets, M346 Masters, and Super Tucanos (plus Vikings) for me!

Sou-jiro

July 5th, 2011, 10:45 AM

^^^^whats the maximum speed of M346?....apart from commonality with S211's Im curious as what edge it has over the T-50s?

leofriends

July 5th, 2011, 04:02 PM

Foreign plane ‘buzzes’ Filipino fishermen in West Philippine Sea (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/5373/foreign-plane-buzzes-filipino-fishermen-in-west-philippine-sea)

:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Agence France-Presse
1:28 pm | Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—An unidentified foreign plane harassed a group of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) last month in the latest incident in the disputed waters, the Philippine Navy said Tuesday.

The fishermen reported the jet flew low over their boat early last month off the Investigator Northeast Shoal, said Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama.

“An unidentified jet buzzed our fishing boat some 20 to 30 feet (6-9 meters) from the top of the mast of the fishing boat,” Pama told reporters.

“They were unable to identify the jet; they just said it was noisy and it made them nervous,” he said, adding: “Definitely it’s not ours.”

Asked about the plane’s motive, Pama said it was not usual for an aircraft to fly so low over a boat, “so initially it’s some sort of a warning, like, ‘What are you doing here?’”

The Navy said the incident occurred near a shoal claimed by the Philippines that lies between the major western Philippine island of Palawan and the disputed Spratly islands, which are believed to sit on vast mineral resources.

It was the second report of foreign aircraft activity in Philippine-claimed areas of the West Philippine Sea this year.

In May two Philippine Air Force turboprop planes on patrol near the Spratlys reported two unidentified jets streaking high above them.

Tensions in the strategic and resource-rich West Philippine Sea have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam voicing alarm at what they say are increasingly forceful Chinese actions there.

They include Philippine accusations of Chinese forces opening fire on Filipino fishermen, shadowing an oil exploration vessel employed by a Philippine firm, and putting up structures in areas claimed by the Philippines.

Aside from the Philippines, China and Vietnam, the Spratlys are also wholly or partially claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Spokesman Raul Hernandez declined to comment on the Navy’s allegation, telling Agence France-Presse he had yet to see the formal report.

spearhead

July 5th, 2011, 06:16 PM

^^Next time kasi magdala na ang mga pinoy fishermen ng mga cameras para makuhaan ng photos, and videos yang mga bullies. Kung pwede nga lang armasan narin sila ng mga high powered assault rifles para pwede na nilang tirahin sa pwet yung mga eroplanong yan :lol:

spearhead

July 5th, 2011, 06:18 PM

walangpangalan

July 6th, 2011, 12:53 AM

gmaer

July 6th, 2011, 03:24 AM

^^^^whats the maximum speed of M346?....apart from commonality with S211's Im curious as what edge it has over the T-50s?

Aermacchi S-211
Speed: Mach 0.8
Range: 1,668 km

The M-346 has the edge when it comes to range and survivability because of its 2 engines while the T-50 has the speed at a cheaper price...

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master
Speed: Mach 1.2
Range: 1,890 km
Engine: 2x Honeywell F124-GA-200
Cost: Singapore ordered 12 brand new M-346 jets for $410 million so that's $34 million per aircraft.

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
Speed: Mach 1.4
Range: 1,851 km
Engine: 1x General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan
Cost: Indonesia ordered 16 brand new T-50 jets for $400 million so that's $25 million per aircraft.

Like the Philippine Air Force, Singapore also decided upon the M-346 vs. T-50 in their LIFT program and chose the M-346 as the winner.

See http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/asian-skies/2010/01/singapore-2010-when-will-singa.html

gmaer

July 6th, 2011, 03:27 AM

CPP-NPA lashes at China for arrogance on Spratlys, PH for saber-rattling (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/21531/cpp-npa-lashes-at-china-for-arrogance-on-spratlys-ph-for-saber-rattling)
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
9:44 pm | Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Finally breaking its silence on the tensions between the Philippines and China over the Spratly islands, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) lashed out at China’s “arrogance” for refusing to recognize the claims of other nations and refusing to engage in multilateral talks with other claimants.

In a statement e-mailed to the media Tuesday, the Maoist rebel group at the same time blamed the Aquino government for fomenting the conflict through its “undiplomatic and agitative” statements against China.

The CPP devoted much of its statement to its usual tirade against the United States for taking advantage of the conflict to promote its “imperialist” interests in the West Philippine Sea (or South China Sea).

The CPP, however, did not comment on China’s growing military might.

“The CPP… condemn(s) the puppet Aquino regime for kowtowing to its imperialist master… by hyping up the Spratly Islands conflict, issuing undiplomatic and agitative statements against China and allowing the US to deploy its military machinery in the conflict area in the guise of coming to the defense of the Philippines,” the rebel group said.

“At the same time, the Filipino people condemn the arrogance of China’s sole claim over the disputed island, its refusal to recognize the claims of other nations and its refusal to engage in multilateral negotiations,” it said.

The resource-rich Spratlys chain of islands in the West Philippine Sea, which straddles crucial shipping lines is being contested by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The CPP said the Southeast Asian nation-claimants should “vigorously oppose” US intervention and China’s insistence on its sole claim over the entire area.

It supported a “peaceful” and “multilateral” resolution of the dispute, which has long been the government’s line, without US interference.

coldfire083

July 6th, 2011, 03:36 AM

How about training simulators kasama ba? I think kasama yan sa package ng Singapore.

felix*bakat

July 6th, 2011, 03:56 AM

im curious, let's say we got a fighter jet or a warship 'on lease' basis, what would happen in case enemy fire hit it during an actual battle causing it to crash or sink? would we be under obligation to pay for the destroyed asset?

gmaer

July 6th, 2011, 05:41 AM

How about training simulators kasama ba? I think kasama yan sa package ng Singapore.

I think so, yes and...

Alenia Aermacchi has said that it would welcome the opportunity to host Singaporean pilots in Italy, where its headquarters are located.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/09/28/347885/singapore-confirms-order-for-m-346-trainer.html

im curious, let's say we got a fighter jet or a warship 'on lease' basis, what would happen in case enemy fire hit it during an actual battle causing it to crash or sink? would we be under obligation to pay for the destroyed asset?

Yes, it is just like when you loan a car... you still have to pay for the remaining balance even if you no longer have the car due to an accident.

The U.S., however, does not lease its patrol craft, U.S. Navy Task Force Commander Rear Admiral Tom Carney told a reporter who asked about the leasing arrangement after the Puerto Princesa press conference.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-inbox/ph-military-eyes-seato-deal-lease-patrol-boats-173435627.html

xxxriainxxx

July 6th, 2011, 07:56 AM

Think espionage and access to millions and millions of personal information. Think global control. Another reason to leave Facebook.

China Wants to Buy Facebook
Jul. 3 2011 - 5:58 pm | 103,210 views | 3 recommendations | 32 comments

On Thursday, Business Insider reported that China is trying to buy “a huge chunk” of Facebook.

According to the business news website, Beijing approached a fund that buys stock from former Facebook employees to see if it could assemble a stake large enough “to matter.” Moreover, Citibank is rumored to be trying to acquire as much as $1.2 billion of stock for two sovereign wealth funds, one from the Middle East and the other Chinese. Business Insider reports a third source, from a “very influential” Silicon Valley investment bank, confirms that Citi is representing China.

Should Beijing be allowed to buy a part of Mark Zuckerberg’s site? Business Insider tells us there is “little need” for concern about Chinese censors looking at the photos and postings of the 700 million people who trust Facebook with their personal online activity.

First, China’s position won’t be large. A billion-dollar investment does not buy much influence in a site expected to be worth a hundred times that when it goes public. Second, Beijing will be acquiring nonvoting stock. Third, shareholders don’t get the right to look at what’s on the site. All of these arguments from Business Insider ring true.

Yet they are all beside the point—and there are other reasons to be concerned. The business site says that “sovereign wealth funds are pretty distinct from their governments.”

Perhaps Norway’s fund is, but not China’s. The Communist Party, despite three decades of economic reform, insists on its monopoly of political power. And to maintain that monopoly, it tightly controls its own instrumentalities. That’s especially true at this moment because the Party is in the midst of the most comprehensive crackdown on society since the 1989 Beijing Spring. Chinese leaders clearly view social media as a threat to their rule, especially after seeing its force-multiplying effect in the ongoing Arab Spring protests that have toppled governments.

In short, China’s sovereign wealth fund, which is no more independent of the Communist Party than the Beijing municipal government, wants to buy a stake in the world’s most prominent social networking site because Chinese leaders want to control social media. And they hope to do that as part of their comprehensive campaign to dominate the conversation about China—not just inside the country but around the world as well.

Beijing, during the last decade, announced initiatives to change discourse on foreign university campuses with its Confucius Institutes—now 322 of them—and Confucius Classrooms in elementary and high schools—369 of those. Moreover, its “go global” initiative is trying to affect news coverage of China by opening bureaus outside the country to internationalize state media, especially Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television, and People’s Daily.

And this is where the Facebook founder is giving Beijing an opening. Zuckerberg visited China in December and is scheduled to return, perhaps in September, in his bid to access the world’s largest online community, 457 million at last count.

“One big reason American firms stumble in China is that the government tends to favor locals when it comes to regulation,” Business Insider points out. “One way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to allow the government to own a stake.”

Beijing wants to own stakes in foreign firms because it is trying to control them. Its ambitions may at the moment look unrealistic to us, but that does not mean swaggering—and strategic-thinking—Communist Party officials do not hold them.

The cocky Chinese are not the only parties deluding themselves. Zuckerberg, in the words of one reporter, “believes that Facebook can be an agent of change in China, as it has been in countries such as Egypt and Tunisia.” After the disastrous China experiences of Yahoo and Google and the troubled history of Microsoft there—not to mention Beijing’s recent tirade against foreign social media—the Facebook founder appears both arrogant and naïve.

Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg is reportedly “wary about the compromises Facebook would have to make to do business there.” If she loses her argument with Zuckerberg and Facebook enters China, the company will eventually be subject to demands to censor its sites, those both inside and outside China. That’s apparently why the Chinese want to own a big stake in Facebook. They are, in short, looking for control in the long run. No other explanation is consistent with the Party’s other media and “educational” initiatives.

Of course, a Beijing-influenced Facebook will be hit by even more bad publicity—and inevitably defections. Other social networking sites will spring up to capture fleeing users. The genius of America is that its open and broad market eventually punishes the arrogant and the naïve by allowing choice.

So who says MySpace is dead? Perhaps Rupert Murdoch sold it too soon.

Follow me on Twitter @GordonGChang

http://blogs.forbes.com/gordonchang/2011/07/03/china-wants-to-buy-facebook/?partner=technology_newsletter

Bricken Ridge

July 6th, 2011, 07:59 AM

GMA complicated Spratlys issue: Aquino
BY REGINA BENGCO

PRESIDENT Aquino yesterday said the territorial dispute over the Spratly Islands at West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) became complicated because the Arroyo administration included other countries in the exploration of the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Aquino, during the 113th foundation day of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the problem would not have been aggravated if the Declaration of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea was recognized.

"But when the previous administration made a new agreement in 2005 – the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU), that included other countries in exploring waters that are part of our territory – what used to be lump of a controversy turned into a dense mountain of trouble," he said.

The JMSU, which expired in 2008, included China and Vietnam in the joint exploration.

China and Vietnam are claiming the Spratlys together with Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Aquino said the Philippines does not want trouble but would not allow itself to be dragged into it by bigger countries.

"If we allow them to bully us, the next generation of Filipinos will find themselves squeezed into just one island. If we let them push us around, our 7,100 islands will dwindle into just two digits. It is not fair for others to claim what is clearly ours," he said.

He said this is why the Philippines has always been pushing for unity, peace and a lasting agreement in its dealings with other claimant countries. He said government’s moves have been focused on Philippine sovereignty and the protection and respect of the rights of other countries in the region.

"Let us remember that we are not the only country in the world. We need to ensure that the other countries have trust, confidence and respect in us," he said.

He said no country – whether a superpower or a small dot in the world map – can stand alone.

Aquino said the Philippines under the previous administration was the "dine-dedmang kapitbahay (ignored neighbor)," and that it did not have a consistent foreign policy.

He recalled that during the Iraq war, the Philippines threw its support behind the US, only to leave behind its ally at crunch time. He was referring to the move of his predecessor, now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo, to give in to the demand of Iraqi militants to pull out Philippine troops in Iraq in exchange for the release of hostage Angelo dela Cruz in 2004.

Arroyo’s decision drew criticisms from foreign governments, and led to the US Embassy in Manila to announce it was re-evaluating its relationship with the Philippines.

Aquino said: "That incident was complicated and not everyone agreed with that policy. But the point that we should remember is: We promised to support an ally."

He said when it comes to foreign policy, the government cannot be evasive, indecisive, nor should it go back on a promise.

"We looked like a neighbor with no word of honor…Instead of strengthening our relations with other countries, they were eroded," he added.

Aquino said the community of nations now feel a change in the Philippines, as shown by his state visits in the US and Asean countries.

He said the country has received accolades in foreign newspapers for its strong stance and for its handling of the crises in Japan, Egypt, Yemen and Libya.

He said the Philippines showed dedication in helping countries caught in conflict situations.

He said the Philippines’ international reputation was rejuvenated by the appointment of 24 ambassadors who are not only hardworking but dedicated and knew the ins and outs of international relations.

"This only proves that we do not post ambassadors who are merely jetsetters and vacationers," he said.

Aquino, in an ambush interview later on, said the Philippines will chart its own foreign policy.

"It so happens that in this particular case, there was a convergence between the Americans’ and ours with regards to the West Philippine Sea. There’s a convergence of objectives by both sovereign countries. It does not sit well with me when somebody says that we closely align, meaning we abrogate our charting of our own foreign policies to that of another country. That is not permissible. Now we will chart our foreign policy based on the interest of the Philippines," he said.

Bricken Ridge

July 6th, 2011, 08:00 AM

Fighter plane scares fishermen in Spratlys
by Joyce Pangco Pañares

AN UNIDENTIFIED fighter plane flew within about 20 feet of a boatload of Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters near the disputed Spratly Islands, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Monday.

He said the June 4 incident intimidated the fishermen into leaving Dalagang Bukid Shoal off western Palawan, where they had been fishing.

The fishermen were shaken but unharmed, and they failed to identify the foreign aircraft, he said.

He did not want to speculate on the aircraft’s identity, but added that most incursions into Philippine waters near the Spratlys this year had been blamed on Chinese military and civilian vessels.

Gazmin made his statement even as he said the Aquino administration wanted to lease long-range patrol planes, ships and high-caliber weapons from the United States this year to guard Philippine territory.

“We’re looking at modern equipment—not excess defense articles,” he said.

“Nothing’s final yet. The United States said they will study it and make an assessment as to what are available and what we can operate.

“New equipment will entail costs, and with our limited budget, we will have to see what we can afford.”

Gazmin said financing would come from the Armed Forces modernization fund for the year.

“We want long-range aircraft patrols as well as watercraft, including high-caliber weapons,” he said.

“We want to deploy these to ensure we are able to guard our territory seriously and efficiently.”

Armed Forces Chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. earlier said the government had submitted a list of equipment to Washington that would boost the country’s maritime border patrol capabilities amid the dispute over areas in the South China Sea.

The Spratlys, a chain of barren, largely uninhabited islands, reefs and banks in the South China Sea, are claimed wholly by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and partly by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The islands are believed to be atop vast oil and gas deposits.

“Basically, the equipment list covers radar, offshore patrol vessels and long-range patrol aircraft for the Air Force and air defense radar,” Oban said.

He said senior military officials had also recommended an initial six multi-role planes to be acquired within the term of President Benigno Aquino III.

The Air Force was looking at either Korea’s TA-50 Golden Eagle or Italy’s M-346, which, depending on their arms and in-flight instrumentation, would cost about P1 billion each, Oban said.

The Air Force retired its last seven F5 fighter jets in 2005 after using them for 40 years. With AP

leofriends

July 6th, 2011, 08:11 AM

Think espionage and access to millions and millions of personal information. Think global control. Another reason to leave Facebook.

China Wants to Buy Facebook
Jul. 3 2011 - 5:58 pm | 103,210 views | 3 recommendations | 32 comments

http://blogs.forbes.com/gordonchang/2011/07/03/china-wants-to-buy-facebook/?partner=technology_newsletter

this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard... :bash:

Sou-jiro

July 6th, 2011, 08:28 AM

Aermacchi S-211
Speed: Mach 0.8
Range: 1,668 km

The M-346 has the edge when it comes to range and survivability because of its 2 engines while the T-50 has the speed at a cheaper price...

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master
Speed: Mach 1.2
Range: 1,890 km
Engine: 2x Honeywell F124-GA-200
Cost: Singapore ordered 12 brand new M-346 jets for $410 million so that's $34 million per aircraft.

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
Speed: Mach 1.4
Range: 1,851 km
Engine: 1x General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan
Cost: Indonesia ordered 16 brand new T-50 jets for $400 million so that's $25 million per aircraft.

Like the Philippine Air Force, Singapore also decided upon the M-346 vs. T-50 in their LIFT program and chose the M-346 as the winner.

See http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/asian-skies/2010/01/singapore-2010-when-will-singa.html

Thanks for the info :)
----------------------

So with the option the AFP is exercising. Whats the realistic time frame we could get newer Aircraft for the Airforce?...I hope its not 2015 or beyond...it will be too late for that... China's airvraft carrier can be delpoe as early next yr and I would imagine there will be even more Chinese Destroyers and subs by that time delpoyed on around West Philippine Sea.

gmaer

July 6th, 2011, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the info :)
----------------------

So with the option the AFP is exercising. Whats the realistic time frame we could get newer Aircraft for the Airforce?...I hope its not 2015 or beyond...it will be too late for that... China's airvraft carrier can be delpoe as early next yr and I would imagine there will be even more Chinese Destroyers and subs by that time delpoyed on around West Philippine Sea.

Here's the latest and most credible news about the PAF modernization program...

ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 04-Jul-2011

Jane's Defence Weekly

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philippines lead-in fighter trainer programme shifts up a gear

Jon Grevatt Jane's Asia-Pacific Industry Reporter
Bangkok

Key Points
•
The Philippine Air Force has proposed the acquisition of KAI T/A-50 or Alenia Aermacchi M-346 lead-in fighter trainers to meet its national requirement

•
The winning platform is expected to perform a wide range of roles ahead of procurement of fighters and surface attack aircraft

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has forwarded a proposal to the Department of National Defense (DND) to acquire up to six lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT), PAF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ernesto Okol has told Jane's .

The proposal outlines the acquisition of either the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T/A-50 or the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346.

"We are looking at those two platforms since they are both available in the market place," said Lt Col Okol. "What we need is a lead-in fighter trainer that can bridge some capabilities that we do not have at the moment. We have no interception capability [and] we have very limited maritime patrol cover for ships, and so on."

The LIFT proposal is currently at senior ministerial level, he said, although funding has not yet been approved. The PAF is aiming to take delivery of the selected platform within the next few years. A purchase of six aircraft would be expected to cost about USD150-200 million. Indonesia agreed earlier this year to acquire 16 T-50 aircraft for USD400 million, while Singapore last year ordered 12 M-346 platforms for about USD440 million.

Lt Col Okol also explained that the LIFT programme is in addition to other PAF requirements such as multirole fighters (MRFs) and surface attack aircraft. These requirements reflect a distinct lack of air defence capability in the country. The last of the PAF's Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighters were decommissioned in October 2005 due to high maintenance costs and the PAF's air defence requirements have since been undertaken by armed S.211 Aermacchi trainers.

"All of these requirements are part of our Capability Upgrade Programme (CUP), which we have been planning a long time," said Lt Col Okol. "But our project management teams regularly adjust these plans according to the defence and military climate. The LIFT requirement is in the CUP; the surface attack aircraft is there; our requirement for the MRF is there. It is just a matter of what is being prioritised - and the requirement to procure a lead-in fighter trainer capability has been raised a few notches."

The surface attack requirement is intended to replace the PAF's depleted fleet of Rockwell OV-10A Broncos. Jane's understands that KAI's KT-1 basic turboprop trainer/light attack aircraft and Brazil's Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano are being considered for the programme, which aims to undertake observation and counter-insurgency operations in the southern Philippines island of Mindanao.

The MRF programme, meanwhile, is intended to acquire one squadron (12 aircraft) of fighter aircraft by the end of this decade. PAF officials have previously outlined an intention to prioritise the procurement of two to three aircraft within the next few years and the remaining platforms a few years after. Jane's understands several platforms are being considered to meet the MRF requirement, including the Russian MiG-29 'Fulcrum' and the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.

The PAF's move to fill its air defence capability gaps comes at a time when territorial concerns have risen due to China's increasing manoeuvres in the South China Sea, particularly in areas - such as the Palawan islands.

Such concerns have gained weight with reports from China over the past month that the country's first aircraft carrier will embark on its initial sea trial in July. The former Ukrainian vessel, which has been refurbished by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, is expected to be officially launched in 2012.

Bahay_Kubo

July 6th, 2011, 11:58 AM

Ruskin Godwin Magat (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=814434420) and Priscilla, ang ginawa niyong paglapastangan sa alaala ng mga bayani na nakahimlay sa Libingan ng mga Bayani ay WALANG KAPATAWARAN!

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a000.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a001.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a002.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a003.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a004.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a005.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a006.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a008.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a009.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a010.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a011.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a012.jpg

http://adroth.ph/afpmodern/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/a013.jpg

support 100,000 likes to condemn desecration of graves of Filipino soldiers (http://www.facebook.com/pages/100000-likes-to-condemn-desecration-of-graves-of-Filipino-soldiers/114273611999765) on Facebook and spread the word to everyone para malaman nina Ruskin at Priscilla ang galit ng mga tao sa kalapastanganan na ginawa nila!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/100000-likes-to-condemn-desecration-of-graves-of-Filipino-soldiers/114273611999765

gentlemuscleman

July 6th, 2011, 12:51 PM

para sa akin mga brod mas malala ang ginawang pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan ang ginawang pagnanakaw ng mga heneral ng pilipinas kesa dyan sa mga pictures na yan.simpleng pictorials lang yan,ang ginawa ng mga generals ng pilipinas ay walang kapatawaran at ka sumpa sumpa parang tinaehan na nila ang libingan ng mga bayani at binalasubas at binastos nila ang mga nakalibing dyan sa libingan ng mga bayani.ngayon wala man lang tayong pan depensa sa chinese forces,wla tayong modernong gamit militar.inuna pa ng mga general na yan ang pag momodernize ng kanilang mga kotse at mga bahay at pakainin ng nakaw ang kanilang pamilya,sosyal pa ang mga misis ha!balot ng alahas ang katawan na galing sa ninakaw sa kaban ng bayan at panay pa ang travel sa america kasama ng mga anak,kaya para sa akin mas malala ang mga demonyong general na yan at ang kanilang mga pamilya kesa sa pictorials na yan.:cheers::cheers:

OtAkAw

July 6th, 2011, 01:06 PM

^^You cannot use an evil as a means to justify or act as an "excuse" to another evil. You just can't.

Bahay_Kubo

July 6th, 2011, 04:47 PM

wow! like what i said on Pinoyexchange.com (which was cited on the GMANews.tv article on the matter), unfortunately, a lot of Filipinos absolutely have no sense of love of country.

Prenup shoot at Libingan ignites online firestorm (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225517/technology/prenup-at-libingan-draws-online-firestorm)
JM TUAZON, GMA News
07/06/2011 | 08:44 PM

Tasteless. Crass. Outrageous. Disrespectful.

These were just some of the words by Internet users describing the creative prenuptial photos of couple Ruskin and Priscilla taken at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, resting place of Filipino soldiers and dignitaries.

There appears nothing wrong with the couple's choice of a unique venue — it does, after all, offer scenic views and comely perspectives of white crosses sprawled against Bermuda grass — but they took the shoot a notch up with unusual poses.

In the prenup's gallery posted on the website of East Digital Studio, commissioned by the couple to do the shoot, the two were frolicking in the cemetery grounds seemingly oblivious to the field of crosses that lay behind them. (As of this posting, the controversial photos have been taken down from the studio’s website, except for a couple of images.)

In one photo, Priscilla — toasting with a glass of wine on her right — is sitting atop one of the crosses as three bottles of expensive spirits are on a small table in front of her.

In another picture, Ruskin was photographed sitting on a cross and puffing on a cigarette, but the two had switched garbs — he was wearing Priscilla's long black dress, she was in Ruskin's traditional Barong Tagalog.

Still, in another shot, the groom-to-be is hugging tight a cross, a wide grin across his face, as if posing for a "wacky" shot.

The photos seemed meant to break the conventions of prenuptial shoots where couples are often photographed in sweet, mushy moments that draw a chorus of "Awwww..." from women.

Netizens unimpressed

Filipino social media users and forum posters, however, were not impressed by the couple's "stunt."

"Unfortunately, a lot of Filipinos absolutely have no sense of love of country," lamented PinoyExchange user _Bahay_Kubo_.

Said user ransom on the Philippine Mac Users Group forum: "I haven't quite decided myself. Part of me finds it original, another part can't help but think this was done in rather bad taste. These are the graves of our soldiers around which they're frolicking and striking funny poses."

"The cemetery being labeled as 'Libingan ng mga Bayani' deserves respect. If they just wanted a cemetery for a photoshoot they could just have picked other cemeteries," argued Peyups.com user toophakeen.

Esoteric concepts

Others, however, saw nothing wrong with the whole thing.

User boybastos15 of PinoyExchange forum said he wasn't offended by the shots. "Picture lang naman...they didn't vandalized or made the place dirty naman e," he said.

"Unless we are actually affected, as in personally offended, we shouldn't bash... others. "honoring the dead" and "honoring heroes" are esoteric concepts made-up by the mind which these two strangers may not believe in," argued fightingmaroon on Peyups.com.

In a comment on social networking site Google+, Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez said the outrage against the act can limit the allowable spectrum for artistic expression.

"If someone did something that someone else thought was outrageous and that someone else mounts a social media shame campaign and stampedes a gov't agency to buy into the campaign, then what form of expression is safe? Only the ones we like?" Jimenez asked.

Comedian Gabe Mercado, one of those who first posted about the issue online and whose tweet garnered more than 90 retweets on Wednesday, argued that while artistic expression is an accepted idea, expressing oneself distastefully in a place deserving respect defines the limit of self-expression.

"In the same manner that we sing the national anthem a certain way and we fold the flag with respect, it is my belief that the same courtesy should be extended to the Libingan ng mga Bayani," Mercado said.

Mercado and Jimenez were, however, united against calling for a boycott of the studio.

"Please, no to boycotts. Let's be proactive and just ask for more stringent applications of rules already in place at the Libingan," Mercado stressed.

It happened once before...

Online users pointed out that the couple was probably trying to replicate an earlier prenup shoot involving Jay Contreras of the band Kamikaze and Sarah Abad, sister of actress Kaye Abad.

In this earlier photoshoot, the couple was seen in similar unusual shots taken at the Clark Veterans Cemetery in Clark Field, Pampanga.

There was no outcry against them.

Responding to the outcry, the studio offered an apology to those who were offended.

"We are agreeable with your empathy on the reverence of our beloved remains at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani and it is our utmost apology to had conducted a prenuptial pictorial in that holy ground," the company said.

It was the couple's idea to hold the shoot at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and the studio and its photographers just heeded the client's requests, according to East Digital.

tandaan sila: RUSKIN GODWIN MAGAT and PRISCILLA AQUINO-MAGAT.