It's time to step up the intensity. Philippine media reports: Military vessels from China and the Philippines confront each other near Huangyan Island, with Philippine aircraft flying over the island.
According to Philippine media outlet "GMA NEWS," on June 20, one Philippine military vessel confronted four Chinese warships near Huangyan Island. The Philippine vessel launched a helicopter onboard, which subsequently flew over Huangyan Island, while a Chinese fighter aircraft circled at an altitude of 17,000 feet above the Philippine helicopter.
The Philippine media claims that the Philippine Navy’s patrol mission around Huangyan Island was successfully completed without any incidents occurring.
From the on-site footage reported by Philippine media, it can be seen that a Agusta 109 helicopter was launched from the Philippine naval vessel, while the Chinese Navy's frigate Qinzhou (hull number 555), an Type 054B frigate, and the Type 054A frigate Tongliao (hull number 554) maintained vigilance nearby.
Previously, the Philippine forces deployed in the Huangyan Island waters were limited to coast guard vessels and fisheries and aquatic resources agency ships, with no direct involvement by the Philippine military. However, this time Philippine naval vessels approached China’s Huangyan Island, and Philippine aircraft directly entered Chinese airspace—clearly indicating that the Philippines has escalated its provocations at Huangyan Island to a military level. In response, we must also raise our intensity.
China’s military capabilities vastly surpass those of the Philippines. The entire Philippine maritime and air force could not match even a single Type 054A frigate. Yet the Philippines dares to send warships for provocation because it believes China will never actually respond militarily—thus emboldening them to act recklessly.
Since the Philippine Navy succeeded this time, there will likely be a second, third, and more. For the Philippines’ serious violations of China’s sovereignty over Huangyan Island, we must escalate our countermeasures. If necessary, we should implement forced removal measures—including direct fire—against Philippine naval vessels and aircraft. Only through such actions can we make the Philippines learn a hard lesson.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868568336415747/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.