The large construction activity of the Chinese in Mabini Reef is a grave territorial and security matter for the Philippines. It is a violation of our sovereignty as it is well within our Exclusive Economic Zone. Under UNCLOS, no other country has the right to construct anything there. But the more serious matter is the security threat. If indeed the Chinese are constructing an airstrip there and it is long enough to be used by their fighters, that would become a forward air base that could threaten the Philippines and our allies. That would become an Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier within our EEZ. The Philippines and our allies should treat this as a clear and present danger.
The Mabini Reef offensive of China:
Looking at overall picture in South China Sea, it seems China on a major offensive. Giant oil rig in Vietnam EEZ, and now reclamation in Mabini Reef similar to what they did in Mischief Reef prior to the permanent installations they constructed there. We should consider a firmer stand in tandem with what Vietnam is doing which is taking a stand by sending non military ships there. Then let China deal with a two front conflict.
In other words, we as a country wouldn't look good if we do less than what Vietnam is doing in the face of the oil rig.We should ask the government, as I ask now, to follow the example of Vietnam of confronting the bully even if outnumbered. Let China handle two conflicts at the same time and become the big contrabida in the eyes of the world. I propose we dispatch a flotilla of PCG ships with water cannon capability. Am sure this will not escalate beyond water cannons. I don't believe that China, in spite of her leaders' propensity to bully, would dare do anything more drastic and risk becoming the world's pariah. The Philippines badly needs a heroic photo of a Philippine Coast Guard ship exchanging water cannon fire with a much bigger Chinese ship. This is our opportunity. The country will look good, standing tall, in that kind of a photo. Our PCG can exchange water fire from 100 meters distance. San Juan-class patrol boat of the PCG.
Alongside firefighting capability is provided by a main reduction gearbox driven pump supplying two fire monitors mounted on the aft end of the bridge. Each monitor is capable of providing a seawater throw of 100 meters at a rate of 300 cubic meters per hour. These can be operated remotely from the bridge or via a wandering lead from the bridge wings. So let's do it Philippine Coast Guard!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Juan_class_patrol_boat
Looking at overall picture in South China Sea, it seems China on a major offensive. Giant oil rig in Vietnam EEZ, and now reclamation in Mabini Reef similar to what they did in Mischief Reef prior to the permanent installations they constructed there. We should consider a firmer stand in tandem with what Vietnam is doing which is taking a stand by sending non military ships there. Then let China deal with a two front conflict.
In other words, we as a country wouldn't look good if we do less than what Vietnam is doing in the face of the oil rig.We should ask the government, as I ask now, to follow the example of Vietnam of confronting the bully even if outnumbered. Let China handle two conflicts at the same time and become the big contrabida in the eyes of the world. I propose we dispatch a flotilla of PCG ships with water cannon capability. Am sure this will not escalate beyond water cannons. I don't believe that China, in spite of her leaders' propensity to bully, would dare do anything more drastic and risk becoming the world's pariah. The Philippines badly needs a heroic photo of a Philippine Coast Guard ship exchanging water cannon fire with a much bigger Chinese ship. This is our opportunity. The country will look good, standing tall, in that kind of a photo. Our PCG can exchange water fire from 100 meters distance. San Juan-class patrol boat of the PCG.
Alongside firefighting capability is provided by a main reduction gearbox driven pump supplying two fire monitors mounted on the aft end of the bridge. Each monitor is capable of providing a seawater throw of 100 meters at a rate of 300 cubic meters per hour. These can be operated remotely from the bridge or via a wandering lead from the bridge wings. So let's do it Philippine Coast Guard!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Juan_class_patrol_boat
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