June 6, 2024
MANILA – The United States Coast Guard (USCG) will deploy its assets to support the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) “in upholding its sovereign rights” in the West Philippine Sea amid the looming implementation of China’s anti-trespassing policy which encroaches on the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“The USCG shared they will deploy their North Pacific Coast Guard to support the PCG in upholding its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” the PCG said in a statement on Tuesday.
However, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the specifics of the deployment, like the total number of personnel and the type of vessels, remain unclear.
“We still don’t know,” Balilo told INQUIRER.net in an interview when asked what kind of USCG assets will be deployed.
Starting June 15, China will authorize its coast guard to detain foreigners deemed “illegally crossing” its borders without trial for up to 60 days, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report.
In response to this, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the agency will also intensify its deployment, and he also enjoined the USCG and Japan Coast Guard to boost their presence “in the high seas.”
“We will do our part, but we also need you to be there to maintain rules-based order the way Coast Guards should play their role,” Gavan said.
Gavan, along with his counterpart US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan and Japan Coast Guard vice admiral Seguchi Yoshio, met during the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and the latest updates on the West Philippine Sea issue, visit our special site here. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.