Phl, US nat'l security heads discuss sea row

Top security officials of the Philippines and the United States have expressed grave concern over China's continuing and latest acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

-  MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke by phone on Tuesday to exchange information on the current maritime security situation in the region and how both can work together in addressing this.

The National Security Council (NSC) said they “particularly raised grave concerns on the recent illegal, aggressive and dangerous actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army-Air Force against a Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting a routine maritime security operation over Bajo de Masinloc.”

Both also discussed how China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels harassed and rammed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships in the area of the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal while en route to Patag Island and Lawak Island.

The NSC said both security advisers look forward to the implementation of strategic priorities to accelerate the Philippines’ capability development and to continuously modernize the alliance.