Phl, US vow closer coordination amid worsening China acts

With China becoming bolder in harassing Filipinos and committing illegal activities in Philippine territorial waters, top military officials of the Philippines and the United States held a teleconference last Monday to discuss the need for them to work more closely in addressing pressing security issues in the region.

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The phone meeting between Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Gen. Charles Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US, came after a weekend of tension in the West Philippine Sea where Chinese coast guard and militia ships harassed and tried to drive away Philippine vessels on humanitarian missions in Ayungin and Panatag Shoals.

"The two agreed to maintain close coordination amidst worsening illegal activities of the China Coast Guard targeting rotation and re-provisioning missions and patrols of Philippine government vessels in the West Philippine Sea," AFP public affairs office chief Col.

Xerxes Trinidad said.

"They also discussed mutual strategic security interests and opportunities for increased military cooperation," Trinidad added.